Env Science #3- Air Pollution

What is aesthetic degradation in the context of air pollution?

Changes in environmental quality that offend our aesthetic senses.

What are the seven conventional pollutants identified by the U.S. Clean Air Act?

Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Particulates, Hydrocarbons, Nitrogen Oxides, Photochemical Oxidants, and Lead.

What are unconventional pollutants?

Compounds that are produced in less volume than conventional pollutants and are especially toxic.

What are primary pollutants?

Chemicals released directly into the air in a harmful form.

What are secondary pollutants?

Chemicals that acquire a hazardous form after entering the air or are formed by chemical reactions as components of the air interact.

What are fugitive pollutants?

Substances that enter the air without going through a smokestack.

What is sulfur dioxide?

A colorless, corrosive gas directly damaging to both plants and animals.

How are nitrogen oxides formed?

They are formed when nitrogen in fuel or combustion air is heated to over 650°C (1,200°F) in the presence of oxygen or when bacteria oxidize nitrogen-containing compounds.

What are the characteristics of carbon monoxide?

A colorless, odorless, non-irritating, but highly toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuel.

What are photochemical oxidants?

Products of secondary atmospheric reactions.

What is particulate matter?

Atmospheric aerosols such as dust, ash, soot, lint, smoke, pollen, spores, algal cells, and other suspended materials.

What are aerosols?

Minute particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air.

What are hazardous air pollutants?

Air pollutants that can cause cancer and nerve damage, including carcinogens, neurotoxins, mutagens, teratogens, and endocrine system disrupters.

What is the Toxic Release Inventory?

A program that requires manufacturing facilities and waste-handling sites to report annually on releases of more than 300 toxic materials.

What are temperature inversions?

A stable layer of warm air over cooler air, trapping pollutants near ground level.

What is stratospheric ozone?

The ozone occurring in the stratosphere 10 to 50 km above the Earth's surface.

What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

Chemical compounds with a carbon skeleton and one or more attached chlorine and fluorine atoms.