apes unit 7 atmospheric pollution

Q: What law identified six criteria air pollutants?

A: The Clean Air Act (1970).

Q: What are the six criteria pollutants?

A: SO₂, NOₓ, CO, Pb, O₃ (tropospheric), and PM.

Q: What does sulfur dioxide (SO₂) cause?

A: Respiratory irritation, acid rain, and sulfurous smog.

Q: What are nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) sources and effects?

A: Fossil fuel combustion; forms ozone, photochemical smog, and acid rain.

Q: What is carbon monoxide (CO) and its danger?

A: Produced by incomplete combustion; binds to hemoglobin and is lethal.

Q: How does lead (Pb) harm health?

A: It's a neurotoxin that damages the nervous system.

Q: What is the difference between air pollutants and greenhouse gases?

A: Air pollutants directly harm health; GHGs contribute to climate change.

Q: What are primary pollutants?

A: Emitted directly (e.g., NOₓ, SO₂, CO, PM, VOCs).

Q: What are secondary pollutants?

A: Formed in the atmosphere (e.g., O₃, HNO₃, H₂SO₄).

Q: How is ozone (O₃) formed in photochemical smog?

A: Sunlight breaks NO₂ into NO + O; O + O₂ → O₃.

Q: What role do VOCs play in smog?

A: They prevent O₃ from converting back, allowing it to accumulate.

Q: When are ozone levels highest?

A: In the afternoon due to peak sunlight.

Q: What increases smog formation?

A: Vehicle emissions, VOCs, heat, and sunlight.

Q: How does smog affect humans and the environment?

A: Causes respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and damages plant stomata.

Q: How can we reduce smog?

A: Carpooling, public transit, renewables, and fewer vehicles.

Q: What is a thermal inversion?

A: A layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, preventing pollution dispersal.

Q: Why are urban areas more affected?

A: Lower albedo and less evapotranspiration trap more heat.

Q: What are the health effects of thermal inversion?

A: Increases respiratory issues and hospitalizations.

Q: Where are thermal inversions common?

A: Mountainous cities like LA and Mexico City.

Q: What are natural sources of air pollutants?

A: Lightning, volcanoes, forest fires, and conifer VOCs.

Q: What produces natural CO₂?

A: Cellular respiration and decomposition.

Q: What is the difference between PM10 and PM2.5?

A: PM10 is larger (e.g., dust, pollen); PM2.5 is smaller, more dangerous, and comes from combustion.

Q: Why is PM2.5 more harmful?

A: It penetrates deep into the lungs and can cause cancer.

Q: What is asbestos?

A: A fibrous silicate used in insulation; can cause lung cancer and asbestosis.

Q: What is carbon monoxide (CO)?

A: A colorless, odorless gas that binds to hemoglobin and is deadly.

Q: What are VOCs and where are they found?

A: Volatile Organic Compounds found in cleaners, adhesives, and fabrics.

Q: What is radon and how does it enter homes?

A: A radioactive gas from uranium decay; enters via cracks in foundations.

Q: What are the effects of lead exposure?

A: Damages the central nervous system, especially in children.

Q: How can you reduce indoor air pollutants?

A: Use CO detectors, seal cracks, use low-VOC products, fix leaks, and replace old paint/pipes.

Q: How can individuals reduce air pollution?

A: Use public transit, conserve energy, and eat less meat.

Q: What does the Clean Air Act do?

A: Sets limits on pollutants and enforces regulations via the EPA.

Q: What are CAFE standards?

A: Fuel efficiency standards for vehicle fleets to reduce emissions.

Q: What is a catalytic converter?

A: A device in cars that reduces NOₓ, CO, and hydrocarbons into safer gases.

Q: What do scrubbers do?

A: Remove SO₂, NOₓ, and PM from emissions using chemicals or water mist.

Q: How do electrostatic precipitators work?

A: Use electric charges to trap PM on plates.

Q: What are the main causes of acid rain?

A: NOₓ and SO₂ emissions from vehicles and coal plants.

Q: How is acid rain formed?

A: NOₓ and SO₂ react with water to form nitric and sulfuric acid.

Q: How does acid rain affect soil?

A: It lowers pH and leaches nutrients like Ca²⁺ and K⁺.

Q: How can acid rain be reduced?

A: Use renewables, scrubbers, and fluidized bed combustion.

Q: How can acidified areas be neutralized?

A: Add limestone (CaCO₃) to raise pH.

Q: What is noise pollution?

A: Harmful or excessive noise that disrupts health or ecosystems.

Q: What are common sources of noise pollution?

A: Construction, transportation, industry, and recreation.

Q: How does noise pollution affect wildlife?

A: Interferes with communication, migration, and increases stress.

Q: What are aquatic sources of noise pollution?

A: Ship engines, sonar, and seismic air blasts.

Q: What is the effect of seismic air blasts on marine life?

A: Disrupts communication and behavior across vast distances.