Air Pollution Overview

Practice flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on air pollution, including types of pollutants, their sources, and effects.

What are primary pollutants?

Pollutants that are emitted directly from sources such as vehicles, power plants, and factories.

What are secondary pollutants?

Pollutants that have transformed in the presence of sunlight, water, and oxygen, like ozone.

What is the primary impact of sulfur dioxide (SO2)?

It acts as a respiratory irritant and contributes to the formation of acid rain.

How does coal combustion affect air quality?

It releases more air pollutants than other fossil fuels, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.

What is photochemical smog?

A type of air pollution formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.

What factors contribute to the formation of photochemical smog?

Nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, heat, and sunlight.

What health problems are associated with photochemical smog?

Respiratory problems and eye irritation.

What caused the significant reduction of lead in the atmosphere in the US?

The regulation of lead in fuels through the Clean Air Act.

What is the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

To regulate air pollutants and enforce standards set by laws like the Clean Air Act.

What defines a thermal inversion?

A weather phenomenon where warmer air traps cooler air at the Earth's surface, preventing the dispersal of pollutants.

What is a major source of nitrogen oxides (NOx)?

The combustion of fossil fuels, especially from vehicles and power plants.

What is a common measure to reduce air pollution from vehicles?

Catalytic converters reduce emissions of CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons.

What are some natural sources of CO2?

Respiration, decomposition, and volcanic eruptions.

What are PM10 and PM2.5?

Particulate matter that can cause respiratory issues; PM10 is less than 10 micrometers and PM2.5 is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.

What is acid rain?

Rain that is made acidic by pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides.

What are the effects of acid deposition?

It leads to the acidification of soils and water, which can harm plant and animal life.

Name two common indoor air pollutants.

Carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Why is radon a concern in homes?

It is a radioactive gas that can lead to lung cancer when inhaled.

How can acid rain be mitigated?

By decreasing emissions of nitric oxides and sulfur oxides and adding buffers like calcium carbonate.