Air Pollution Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to air pollution, its sources, and its effects.

Air pollution

The condition in which air contains a high concentration of chemicals that may harm living things or damage the environment.

Particulates

Solid particles in the air.

Air pollutants

Harmful gases in the air.

Methane

A colorless and odorless gas produced when plant and animal matter decomposes.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

A colorless gas that can lead to breathing difficulties and death by reducing the ability of blood to transport oxygen.

Particulate matter (PM)

Very small particles in the air, such as dust, ash, carbon (soot), toxic metals, or smoke.

Nitrogen monoxide (NO)

A colorless gas formed in car engines at high temperatures when nitrogen combines with oxygen.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

A brown gas formed when nitrogen monoxide reacts with oxygen.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

A gas formed when sulfur compounds in fossil fuels are burned.

Carbon Dioxide

Leads to global warming and climate change.

Methane

Leads to global warming and climate change.

Oxides of Nitrogen

Corrodes buildings and harms aquatic life and plants by forming acid rain.

Sulfur Dioxide

Forms acid rain.

Nitrates and Phosphates

Fertilisers. Leads to eutrophication.

Lead compounds

Paints, petrol, car batteries. Can cause brain damage, developmental delays and affect nervous system.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Aerosol sprays, refrigerators, air conditioners. Destroys ozone layer.