APES Unit 7

What are the 6 criteria air pollutants?

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Lead (Pb), Particulate matter (PM10 & PM2.5) — Remember NOSCLP

What is a primary air pollutant?

A pollutant emitted directly from a source (e.g., CO, NOx, VOCs)

What is a secondary air pollutant?

A pollutant formed in the atmosphere through reactions (e.g., ozone, smog)

What does the Clean Air Act do?

Regulates air pollutants and authorizes the EPA to set air quality standards

What causes photochemical smog?

Reaction of NOx and VOCs in the presence of sunlight

What are effects of photochemical smog?

Respiratory issues, eye irritation, reduced visibility, plant damage

How can photochemical smog be reduced?

Use of catalytic converters, reducing VOC emissions, carpooling

What is thermal inversion?

A weather event where a warm air layer traps cooler air and pollutants below

Why is thermal inversion dangerous?

It increases concentration of pollutants at the surface

What are natural sources of atmospheric CO2?

Cellular respiration, decomposition, volcanic eruptions

What are natural sources of particulates?

Dust, pollen, sea salt, volcanic ash

Name 3 indoor air pollutants.

Carbon monoxide, asbestos, radon-222

What are the effects of radon exposure?

Increased risk of lung cancer

How can indoor air pollution be reduced?

Increased ventilation, air filters, source removal

What is the function of a catalytic converter?

Reduces vehicle emissions by converting NOx, CO, and hydrocarbons to less harmful gases

What do wet and dry scrubbers do?

Remove pollutants (especially SO2) from industrial emissions

What do electrostatic precipitators do?

Remove particulate matter from smokestack emissions using electric charge

What causes acid deposition?

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with water to form sulfuric and nitric acids

What are effects of acid deposition?

Soil and water acidification, damage to limestone buildings, harm to aquatic life

How can acid rain be reduced?

Using scrubbers, switching to low-sulfur fuels, emissions regulations

What is noise pollution?

Harmful or annoying levels of noise from human activity

What are sources of noise pollution?

Transportation, construction, industrial activities

What are effects of noise pollution?

Hearing loss, stress, disrupted animal behavior

What does VOC stand for?

Volatile Organic Compound

What forms ground-level (tropospheric) ozone?

Reaction of VOCs and NOx in sunlight