06 Air Pollution

Means any alteration of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the atmospheric air

Air Pollution

Any matter found in the atmosphere other than oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and the inert gases in their natural or normal concentrations that is detrimental to health or the environment

Air Pollutant

The general amount of pollution present in a broad area and refers to the atmosphere's average purity

Ambient air quality

The air around us

Ambient Air

Released directly from the source into the air in a harmful form

Primary Pollutants

Converted to a hazardous form after they enter the air or are formed by chemical reactions

Secondary Pollutants

Those that do not go through a smoke stack

Fugitive Emissions

Pollutants that contributed the largest volume of air quality degradation and are considered the most serious threats to human health and welfare

Criteria Pollutants

A colorless corrosive gas directly damaging to both plants and animals

Sulfur Dioxide

Highly reactive gases formed when nitrogen in fuel or in air is heated to temperatures above 650°C in the presence of oxygen

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

A colorless, odorless, nonirritating, but highly toxic gas

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A product of photochemical reactions between other pollutants

Ozone (O₃)

A general term for products of these reactions

Photochemical Oxidants

Organic chemicals that evaporate easily or exist as gases in the air

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Very fine solid or liquid particulates suspended in the atmosphere

Aerosols

The most abundantly produced metal air pollutant

Lead

Solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in a gaseous medium

Particulate Matter

Very fine particulates smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that can be drawn into the lungs

PM2.5

Coarse inhalable particles larger than 2.5 micrometers but less than 10 micrometers in diameter

PM10

Toxic in minute doses causing nerve damage and other impairments

Mercury (Hg)

Nontoxic and innocuous at normal concentrations but atmospheric levels are steadily increasing

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Lightweight highly reactive elements that are powerful greenhouse gases

Halogens

A special category of toxins monitored by the US EPA because they are particularly dangerous

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Any undesirable change in the physical characteristics or chemistry of the atmosphere

Aesthetic Degradation

Concentrations of toxic air pollutants that are often higher indoors than outdoors

Indoor Air Pollution

A stable layer of warmer air lies above cooler air and prevents convection currents from dispersing pollutants

Temperature Inversions

Stratospheric ozone concentrations over the South Pole were dropping precipitously due to chlorine-based aerosols

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

A persistent inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles that causes mucus buildup and a painful cough

Bronchitis

An irreversible chronic obstructive lung disease in which airways become permanently constricted and alveoli are damaged

Emphysema

The deposition of wet acidic solutions or dry acidic particles from the air

Acid Precipitation

Structure or installation controlling the quality of emissions of air pollution source equipment

Air Pollution Control Facilities (APCF)

Filtering air emissions

Particulate Removal

Switching from soft coal with a high sulfur content to low sulfur coal to reduce sulfur emissions

Sulfur Removal

Reduced by carefully controlling the flow of air and fuel

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Control

Mainly involve complete combustion or controlling evaporation

Hydrocarbon Controls

Conserve energy by carpooling, biking, walking, using public transport, and buying energy efficient appliances

Saving Energy and Reducing Pollution