Need-to-Know Pollutants for AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science Pollutants Flashcards

CO2

Greenhouse gas, colorless, odorless; Source: Combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation; Effect: Climate change, ocean acidification

CH4

Potent greenhouse gas, flammable; Source: Landfills, livestock, natural gas leaks; Effect: Strong climate change contributor

NOx

Reactive gases that form smog/acid rain; Source: Vehicles, power plants; Effect: Smog, acid rain, respiratory issues

SO2

Pungent gas that causes acid rain; Source: Coal plants, volcanoes; Effect: Acid rain, aquatic damage, breathing problems

O3 (Tropospheric ozone)

Bad ozone; Source: Formed from NOx + VOCs in sunlight; Effect: Respiratory issues, plant damage

CO

Colorless, odorless toxic gas; Source: Incomplete combustion (cars, stoves); Effect: Blocks oxygen in blood, deadly indoors

Pb

Heavy metal neurotoxin; Source: Old paint, leaded gas, industry; Effect: Brain damage, especially in children

PM2.5 / PM10

Tiny harmful airborne particles; Source: Cars, fires, coal, construction; Effect: Lung/heart issues, visibility reduction

VOCs

Organic gases forming smog; Source: Gas, solvents, paints, factories; Effect: Smog, some are carcinogens

Hg

Toxic metal, bioaccumulates; Source: Coal burning, waste incineration; Effect: Neurotoxin, affects fish-eating animals

CFCs

Ozone-depleting compounds; Source: Old fridges, aerosols; Effect: Ozone layer damage, more UV exposure

Nitrates/Phosphates

Nutrients causing eutrophication; Source: Fertilizers, sewage, detergents; Effect: Algal blooms, dead zones in water