7.1: Introduction to Air Pollution (Pollutants)

What did the Clean Air Act do?

Identified six criteria air pollutants that the EPA is required to set acceptable limits for, monitor, and enforce.

Where does Sulfur Dioxide come from?

Coal Combustion (electricity)

What are the problems that Sulfur Dioxide can create?

Respiratory irritation, smog, acid rain

Where does Nitrogen Oxide come from?

All FF combustion

What are the problems associated with Nitrogen Oxide

Ozone, Photochemical Smog, Acid Precipitation

Where does Carbon Monoxide come from?

Incomplete combustion

What are some of the problems of Carbon Monoxide?

Ozone, Lethal to Humans

Where does Particulate matter come from?

FF/biomass combustion

What are some of the problems associated with Particulate Matter?

Respiratory Irritation, Smog

Where does Ozone come from?

Photochemical oxidation of nitrogen oxide

What are some of the problems of ozone?

respiratory irritation, smog, plant damage

Where does Lead come from?

Metal plants, waste incineration

What are some of the problems associated with lead?

Neurotoxicant

What are the six criteria air pollutants mentioned in the Clean Air Act?

Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, Particulate Matter, Ozone, and Lead

Is CO2 one of the criteria pollutants in the Clean Air act?

No

Can Carbon Dioxide DIRECTLY impact human health?

No, as it’s not toxic, damaging to lungs and eyes, and doesn’t lead to smog

How can CO2 impact humans indirectly?

It is a greenhouse gas, which can increase the Earth’s temperature, resulting in environmental and human consequences. CO2 can also stick to other air pollutants that can do damage

Is CO2 considered an air pollutant in APES?

No

How much pollutants does coal release compared to other FFs?

more than any other

What does Coal Combustion Release?

CO, CO2, SO2, NO, toxic metals (mercury, arsenic, lead), and PM

How is SO2 a problem for human health?

It is respiratory irritant (inflammation of bronchioles, lungs), worsens asthma and bronchitis

What can Sulfur aerosols do to photosynthesis and visibility?

They can form smog, as well as block the sun, which both decrease photosynthesis and visibility

How does SO2 create acid rain?

It combines with and oxygen in the atmosphere to create sulfuric acid.

What do Nitrogen Oxides refer to?

Both NO and NO2

How does NO form?

When N2 combines with O2 during combustion

How is NO2 created?

NO reacting with Ozone or O2

How can NO2 turn back into NO

by sunlight

How can Nitrogen Oxide form acid precipitation?

Nitrogen Oxide combines with water and O2 to form nitric acid

When did the phaseout for lead in gasoline begin?

1974

Primary Air Pollutants

Emitted directly from FF sources

Examples of Primary Air Pollutants

Nitrogen Oxide, CO, VOCs, SO2, PM, hydrocarbons

Secondary Air Pollutants

Primary pollutants that have transformed presence of sunlight, water, and O2

When does most second air pollutants form?

during the day due to sunlight driving the formation of of secondary air pollutants

Examples of Secondary Air pollutants

Ozone, Sulfuric Acid, Sulfate, Nitric Acid, Nitrate