Air Pollutants, Health Effects, and Green Chemistry – Lecture Review

Fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering key pollutants (PM, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, ozone), their health and environmental effects, indoor hazards, and principles of sustainability and green chemistry.

Particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles and microscopic droplets suspended in air.

liquid

Particles with diameters of about 10 µm are classified as .

PM10

Particles with diameters of about 2.5 µm are classified as .

PM2.5

Exposure to fine particulate matter (especially PM2.5) is strongly linked to attacks and strokes.

heart

Burning coal that contains 1–3 % sulfur primarily releases dioxide (SO₂) into the atmosphere.

sulfur

In the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide can be oxidized to form trioxide (SO₃).

sulfur

Sulfur oxides combine with water vapor to produce acids that lead to rain.

acid

The permissible ambient limit for sulfur dioxide is only ppm.

0.03

Nitrogen monoxide (NO) is , while nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is brown.

colorless

Nitrogen oxides are mainly produced in high-temperature environments such as auto engines and -fired power plants.

coal

The permissible ambient limit for nitrogen dioxide is ppm.

0.053

Deposition of excess nitrogen compounds can cause nutrient enrichment known as .

eutrophication

Tropospheric ozone is considered a(n) , whereas stratospheric ozone is protective.

pollutant

Ozone in the lower atmosphere forms indirectly when sunlight splits NO₂, producing atomic oxygen that reacts with O₂ to make .

O₃

Ozone damages vegetation by reducing , impairing reproduction, and decreasing crop yields.

photosynthesis

Because it traps heat, tropospheric ozone also acts as a gas.

greenhouse

The radioactive noble gas that can accumulate in basements and is tested with home kits is .

radon

Older household paints often contained the toxic metal , now recognized as a serious health hazard.

lead

Sustainability emphasizes meeting present needs without compromising the ability of generations to meet theirs.

future

A core principle of green chemistry is to prevent rather than clean it up after it occurs.

pollution

Green chemistry encourages the use of renewable rather than resources.

non-renewable

Particulate matter can reduce visibility and alter the balance of lakes and rivers.

nutrient