APES Air Pollutants

What is SO2 and where does it usually come from?

Sulfur Dioxide is a respiratory irritant that contributes to forming photochemical smog and acid rain, which comes primarily from coal combustion

What is NOx and where does it come from?

Nitrogen Oxides contribute to forming photochemical smog and acid rain, mostly released from any type of combustion

What are VOCs and where do they come from?

Volatile Organic Compounds easily evaporate into the air and disrupt the natural ozone cycle, leading to photochemical smog, mostly coming from aerosol sprays and car emissions

What air pollutants do volcanoes naturally emit?

SO2, PM, CO, NOx

How does lightning affect air pollutants?

It can convert atmospheric N2 into NOx

What is CO and where does it come from?

Carbon Monoxide is an asphyxiant that results from incomplete combustion, commonly seen in developing nations’ indoor biomass burning

What is Pb and where does it come from?

Lead is a neurotoxicant and endocrine disruptor that is found in old paints and water pipes

How can SO2 be reduced?

Reduced coal plants and introduced crushed limestone to areas can reduce its impact