Air pollution flashcards

What are natural sources of air pollution?

Windblown dust, volcanic eruptions, smoke and soot from fires

What are anthropogenic (human-caused) sources of air pollution?

Mostly from the burning of fossil fuels

What is smog?

A mix of air pollutants that forms over cities

Where does the word “smog” come from?

A combination of the words smoke and fog

What causes industrial smog?

Soot, sulfur, and water vapor from industrial sources

What is photochemical smog?

Smog made mostly of tropospheric ozone formed when vehicle exhaust reacts with sunlight

What is a temperature inversion?

When warm air traps cooler air below, trapping pollution near Earth’s surface

How does acid deposition form?

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form acids

How does acid deposition affect rain and snow?

It lowers their pH

What damage does acid deposition cause?

Harms forests and lakes and damages buildings and structures

How does air pollution affect the lungs?

Causes lung irritation and respiratory illnesses like asthma

Which pollutant interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen?

Carbon monoxide

Trace amounts of pollutants like benzene and soot may contribute to what disease?

Cancer

What is particulate matter (PM{2.5} & PM{10})?

Tiny particles from motor vehicles and industry

Long-term exposure to particulate matter can cause what?

Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis

What are sulfur and nitrogen oxides major sources of?

Factories, motor vehicles, and heavily farmed areas

What health problems do sulfur and nitrogen oxides cause?

Asthma and bronchitis

What are the effects of carbon monoxide at very high levels?

Can cause death

How does carbon monoxide harm the body?

Interferes with respiration and deprives cells of oxygen

What is asbestos?

A natural mineral that does not burn or conduct heat or electricity

What products used to contain asbestos?

Electrical insulation, roofing, and car brakes

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Its fibers can be inhaled and cause chronic lung diseases, including cancer

How is ozone formed as a pollutant?

From NO_{x} + methane + UV light creating photochemical oxidant smog

What health effects does ozone cause?

Eye irritation, respiratory irritation, chest discomfort, and chronic lung conditions

Why is ozone important in the stratosphere?

It protects Earth from UV radiation

What is the main source of human-caused air pollution?

Burning fossil fuels like oil and gasoline

Which human activity is the largest source of air pollution?

Motor vehicles

How can air pollution be reduced?

Burn less fossil fuels, use renewable energy, install scrubbers, use clean fuels

How can individuals help reduce air pollution?

Keep cars tuned and emissions systems up to date

When was the Clean Air Act first passed?

1963

What is the purpose of the Clean Air Act?

To protect human and environmental health by improving air quality

What does the Clean Air Act do?

Limits emissions, sets air quality standards, provides funding, and creates legal enforcement

What pollutant has been phased out of gasoline?

Lead

What are scrubbers?

Devices installed on smokestacks to remove pollutants before release

What do catalytic converters do?

Reduce harmful emissions from motor vehicles

What causes the ozone hole?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Where is the ozone hole located?

Over Antarctica

Why is the ozone hole dangerous?

It allows more UV radiation to reach Earth, increasing skin cancer risk

What is the Montreal Protocol?

A 1987 international treaty to reduce CFC production

What makes the Montreal Protocol unique?

It achieved universal ratification by all countries

What is stratospheric ozone?

Ozone found high in the stratosphere that protects Earth by absorbing harmful UV radiation.

How does stratospheric ozone affect human health?

It protects humans from skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system damage.

What is tropospheric ozone?

Ground-level ozone that forms from pollutants reacting in sunlight and is harmful to breathe.

How does tropospheric ozone affect human health?

Causes lung irritation, worsens asthma, chest pain, coughing, and reduced lung function.

What is the largest human source of air pollution?

Transportation (cars and trucks).

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?

A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion in vehicles and engines.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous to humans?

It prevents blood from carrying oxygen, leading to dizziness, unconsciousness, or death.

What is lead and where does it come from?

A toxic metal from old gasoline, paint, pipes, and industrial emissions.

How does lead affect human health?

Causes brain damage, learning disabilities, and developmental problems, especially in children.

What is particulate matter (PM)?

Tiny particles in the air from dust, smoke, wildfires, construction, and vehicle exhaust.

How does particulate matter affect health?

Penetrates lungs and bloodstream causing asthma, heart disease, and lung damage.

What are VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)?

Gases from fuels, paints, solvents, and vehicle exhaust.

How do VOCs affect human health?

Cause irritation, headaches, nausea, and help form ground-level ozone.

What is asbestos?

A fibrous mineral once used in building materials and insulation.

How does asbestos affect human health?

Causes lung scarring, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

What does the Clean Air Act do?

Gives the EPA authority to regulate air pollution and protect public health.

Why is car exhaust harmful?

Contains CO, NOx, VOCs, and particulate matter that damage lungs and heart health.

How have we reduced vehicle air pollution?

Catalytic converters, cleaner fuels, electric vehicles, emissions testing, and fuel efficiency standards.

Where is the ozone hole located?

Over Antarctica.

What caused the ozone hole?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting chemicals.

What did the Montreal Protocol do?

Phased out CFCs and helped the ozone layer recover.

What did the Paris Agreement do?

Aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.

Where should air quality improvements focus in Maricopa County?

High-traffic areas, highways, construction zones, and the Phoenix metro area.

Why is Maricopa County prone to poor air quality?

Heavy traffic, dust, population growth, and temperature inversions.