APES pollution quiz

Coal Combustion Pollutants

Releases CO

2

​

, SO

2

​

, toxic metals (mercury), and particulate matter (PM).

Fossil Fuel Combustion Products

Nitrogen oxides (NO

x

​

), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter.

Primary Source of SO

2

​

The burning of fossil fuels, specifically diesel fuels and coal.

Environmental Impact of NO

x

​

Leads to the production of ozone, formation of photochemical smog, and conversion into nitric acid (acid rain).

Clean Air Act & Lead

The EPA regulated lead in fuels, leading to a dramatic decrease in atmospheric lead levels.

7.2 Photochemical Smog

Front

Back

Photochemical Smog Recipe

Nitrogen Oxides (NO

x

​

)+VOCs+Heat+Sunlight.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Carbon-based molecules (like formaldehyde or gasoline) that evaporate or sublimate at room temperature.

Natural Source of VOCs

Certain species of trees and plants.

Smog Formation Timeline

NO

x

​

peaks in the morning (traffic); Ozone (O

3

​

) peaks in the afternoon/summer (high sun intensity).

Why Smog is Urban

High concentrations of motor vehicles provide the necessary NO

x

​

and hydrocarbons.

Health Effects of Smog

Respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis) and eye irritation.

Reduction Strategies

Reducing emissions of NO

x

​

(catalytic converters) and VOCs (pump vapor recovery, low-VOC paints).