Air Pollutants and Their Effects

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to air pollutants, their sources, problems, and solutions.

Criteria Pollutant

Air pollutants that are regulated by the EPA because of their harmful effects on health and the environment.

Lead (Pb)

A heavy metal that enters the environment as a particulate, sourced from gasoline vehicles and metal refineries.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Gases made of nitrogen and oxygen that contribute to acid rain and lung damage.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that easily evaporate and lead to smog formation.

Noise Pollution

Disturbing levels of noise in the environment that cause human stress and animal behavior disruption.

Sulfur Oxides (SOx)

Pungent gases like SO₂ and SO₃ that can cause acid rain and lung irritation.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A greenhouse gas produced from fossil fuel combustion, contributing to global warming.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless gas that binds to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Organic compounds that deplete the ozone layer and have high persistence.

Tropospheric Ozone (O₃)

Harmful ozone found in the low atmosphere that causes lung damage and smog.

Stratospheric Ozone (O₃)

Beneficial ozone that protects against UV radiation but is depleted by CFCs.

Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5)

Tiny solids or liquid aerosols that can cause lung and visibility issues.

Photochemical Smog

Secondary pollution formed from NOx, VOCs, and sunlight that causes respiratory issues.

Acid Deposition

Secondary pollution resulting from SOx and NOx that causes environmental harm.

Indoor Pollutants

Pollutants originating within buildings, like mold, dust, and formaldehyde.

Thermal Inversion

A weather phenomenon where warm air traps cooler air near the ground, worsening air quality.

Mold

A type of indoor pollutant that causes respiratory issues, often found in humid environments.

Radon

A radioactive indoor pollutant from uranium decay that increases lung cancer risk.

Asbestos

A harmful material found in insulation that can cause mesothelioma.

Formaldehyde

A toxic indoor pollutant linked to irritation and cancer, found in many household products.