Atmospheric Pollution Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to atmospheric pollution, including types of pollutants, their sources, effects, and mitigation strategies.

Primary Pollutants

Emitted pollutants such as CO, NOx, SO₂, VOCs, and PM.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants that are formed through chemical reactions, such as O₃, sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), nitric acid (HNO₃), and smog.

Main Human Sources of Pollution

Fossil fuels, cars, and factories.

Natural Sources of Pollution

Volcanoes, wildfires, lightning, and decomposition.

Photochemical Smog

Brown smog formed from NOx, VOCs, and sunlight producing ozone (O₃).

Industrial Smog

Gray smog produced from coal burning, resulting in SO₂ and particulate matter (PM).

Effects of Air Pollution

Includes lung damage, asthma, and crop loss.

Thermal Inversion

A phenomenon where warm air traps cold air, leading to pollution being stuck near the ground.

Acid Rain Formation

Occurs when SO₂ and NOx combine with H₂O to form acids.

Health Impacts of CO

Can lead to suffocation.

Health Impacts of O₃ and PM

Causes lung damage.

Health Risks of Radon and Asbestos

Both can result in cancer.

Significance of PM2.5

The most dangerous particulate matter that can reach deep into the lungs.

Noise Pollution Threshold

85 dB is considered harmful and can cause hearing loss and stress.

Solutions to Atmospheric Pollution

Includes regulations like the Clean Air Act, technology such as catalytic converters and scrubbers, and conservation through renewable energy and reduced energy use.

Memory Hack for Primary vs Secondary

'Primary = Put out, Secondary = Shows up later'.

Memory Hack for Smog

'Smog = Cars + Sun'.

Memory Hack for Acid Rain

'Acid rain = SO₂ + NOx'.

Thermal Inversion Visualization

Described as a 'pollution lid'.

Memory Hack for PM2.5

'PM2.5 = tiny = deadly'.

Indoor Pollution Acronym

'CRAVA' stands for CO, Radon, Asbestos, VOCs, and Allergens.