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Air Pollution
The introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at harmful concentrations.
Primary Pollutants
Pollutants that come directly out of a smokestack, exhaust pipe, or natural source.
Secondary Pollutants
Pollutants that have undergone transformation in the presence of sunlight, water, oxygen, or other compounds.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Primary sources include mobile cars and stationary fossil fuel combustion; it is an ozone precursor.
Ozone (O3)
A highly reactive gas that is a major component of photochemical smog; harmful to respiratory health.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
A corrosive gas from burning coal and oil, contributing to acid rain formation.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
A common emission from vehicle exhaust that can significantly contribute to air pollution.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A greenhouse gas released by burning fossil fuels; its levels have been steadily increasing.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Solid particles and liquid droplets small enough to remain suspended in air.
Anthropogenic Emissions
Emissions from human activities that are monitored and regulated by the EPA.
Clean Air Act
Legislation that requires the EPA to establish standards to control harmful pollutants.
Indoor Air Pollution
Pollutants present indoors that pose significant health risks.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
A condition where occupants of a building experience acute health effects linked to time spent in that building.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature, contributing to indoor air pollution.
Radon
A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can lead to lung cancer upon exposure.
Smog
A type of air pollution that can be sulfurous or photochemical, affecting urban areas.
Thermal Inversion
A weather event where a warm layer of air traps pollutants in cooler air below.
Acid Rain
Rainwater with a pH of less than 5.6, caused by acid deposition from pollutants.
Nitric Acid and Sulfuric Acid
Secondary pollutants formed from nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides.
Harmful Effects of Acid Deposition
Includes lowering lake water pH, reducing species diversity, and damaging structures.
Clean Coal Technology
A method aimed at reducing the environmental impact of coal energy generation.
Catalytic Converter
An air pollution control device that converts harmful engine pollutants into less harmful substances.
Wet Scrubber
A device that removes particles from exhaust streams using water droplets.
Electrostatic Precipitator
An air pollution control device that can remove up to 99% of particulate matter.
Outdoor Air Pollution Sources
May include natural sources like dust and anthropogenic sources like vehicle emissions.
Environmental Solutions for Air Pollution
Include using renewable energy, reducing vehicle use, and promoting public transport.
Ozone as an Ozone Precursor
Nitrogen oxides are involved in the formation of ground-level ozone.
Lead as an Air Pollutant
A neurotoxin found in gasoline additives, old paint, and coal; does not break down in the environment.
Fine Particulate Matter (PM10)
Particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers.
Ultrafine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers.
Photochemical Smog
Produced when NOx and VOCs react with heat and sunlight, leading to high ozone levels.
Sulfurous Smog
Smog primarily made up of sulfur dioxide from burning oil and coal.
Noise Pollution
Sound at levels that can cause physiological stress and hearing loss.
Success in Pollution Control
Focus on effective strategies such as reducing emissions at the source and controlling pollutant outflows.
