Air Pollution Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to air pollution, including legislation, pollutants, formation processes, and health impacts.

Clean Air Act (1970)

Legislation that identified and set limits for six criteria air pollutants to be monitored and enforced by the EPA.

SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide)

A pollutant produced mainly from coal combustion, known to cause respiratory problems, smog, and acid precipitation.

NOx (Nitrogen Oxides)

Pollutants resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels, associated with respiratory issues and the formation of photochemical smog.

CO (Carbon Monoxide)

A toxic gas produced from incomplete combustion, lethal to humans.

PM (Particulate Matter)

Small particles released from fuel or biomass combustion, which can cause respiratory irritation and contribute to smog.

O3 (Ozone, Tropospheric)

A pollutant formed through photochemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides; harmful to respiratory health and plant life.

Lead (Pb)

A neurotoxin released from metal plants and waste incineration, harmful to human health.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like CO2 that contribute to global warming but are not classified as criteria pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

Primary Air Pollutants

Pollutants emitted directly from sources, e.g., SO2, NOx, and CO.

Secondary Air Pollutants

Pollutants formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere, such as ozone.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Carbon-based compounds that easily vaporize and participate in photochemical reactions, contributing to ozone formation.

Photochemical Smog

Air pollution formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants such as VOCs and nitrogen oxides.

Acid Rain

Rainfall made acidic by pollutants like SO2 and NOx; can damage ecosystems and buildings.

Thermal Inversion

A weather phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing their dispersal.

Electrostatic Precipitator

A device used to remove particulate matter from exhaust gases by charging particles and collecting them on plates.

Catalytic Converter

An emissions control device in vehicles that converts harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they exit the exhaust.

Wet Scrubbers

Pollution control devices that remove pollutants from exhaust gases by having them pass through a liquid, usually water.

Radon Gas

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes, linked to lung cancer.

Indoor Air Pollutants

Pollutants found inside buildings, including PM, VOCs, and radon.

Noise Pollution

Unwanted or harmful noise that disrupts physical and psychological health.