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18 Terms
1
Air Pollution
The introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to harm plants, animals, and materials.
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2
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
A corrosive gas primarily from combustion of fuels like coal and oil; a respiratory irritant.
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3
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Pollutants emitted from motor vehicles and fossil fuel combustion, leading to respiratory issues and photochemical smog.
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4
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
A common emission from vehicle exhaust and combustion processes that can contribute to urban air pollution.
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5
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A greenhouse gas released by burning fossil fuels, recently exceeding 400 parts per million in the atmosphere.
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6
Particulate Matter (PM)
Solid or liquid particles suspended in air that can reduce visibility and affect health.
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7
Photochemical Smog
A type of air pollution dominated by oxidants from sunlight acting on compounds; associated with urban areas.
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8
Ozone (O3)
A secondary pollutant composed of three oxygen atoms, harmful at ground level.
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9
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Organic compounds that evaporate at typical atmospheric temperatures; a precursor to ozone formation.
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10
Primary Pollutant
A polluting compound that comes directly from sources like smokestacks or exhaust pipes.
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11
Secondary Pollutant
A primary pollutant that has transformed in the presence of sunlight, water, or other compounds.
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12
Thermal Inversion
A weather phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps pollutants near the ground.
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13
Acid Deposition
Occurs when nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides combine with atmospheric oxygen and water to form acids.
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14
Scrubber
An air pollution control device that removes particulates and pollutants from industrial exhaust.
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15
Indoor Air Pollution
Pollution that occurs inside buildings, with sources including CO, asbestos, radon, and VOCs.
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16
Sick Building Syndrome
A situation where building occupants experience health issues linked to time spent in the building.
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17
Clean Air Act
A United States federal law aimed at controlling air pollution on a national level.
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18
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
EPA standards for air quality to protect public health and the environment.
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