Air Pollution and Its Effects

Flashcards to help review key concepts and terminology related to air pollution and its effects.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

A measure used to communicate the quality of air and its safety for physical activity, indicating levels of pollution.

Primary Pollutants

Harmful gases and compounds added directly to the air from sources such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants that form in the atmosphere from chemical reactions, such as sulfuric and nitric acid.

Photochemical Smog

A mixture of pollutants formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with sunlight, leading to ozone formation.

Tropospheric Ozone

Ozone found at ground level, which is harmful and acts as a pollutant, contributing to smog.

Stratospheric Ozone

Ozone found in the upper atmosphere that protects the Earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Industrial Smog

A type of smog that consists of sulfur dioxide, soot, and other particulates primarily from burning coal.

Acid Rain

Rain or snowfall that contains a lower than normal pH due to pollutants like sulfur and nitrogen oxides.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic compounds that can easily evaporate and contribute to ozone formation and smog.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

An odorless gas produced from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, which is highly toxic.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

A colorless gas produced from burning fossil fuels, it can cause respiratory problems and contributes to acid rain.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Gases formed from combustion processes that can lead to acid rain and photochemical smog.

Particulate Matter (PM)

A mixture of solid and liquid particles in the air that can harm health and the environment.

Lead Poisoning

A condition caused by exposure to lead, which can result in serious health issues including neurological damage.

Thermal Inversion

A weather phenomenon where warm air traps pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality.

Lichens as Indicators

Organisms that can indicate air quality because they absorb pollutants as nourishment and are sensitive to specific air pollutants.

Clean Air Act

A U.S. law established to control air pollution on a national level and set standards for air quality.

Cap and Trade Program

An economic approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions of pollutants.

Carbon Tax

A tax imposed on companies for their carbon emissions, aimed at incentivizing reductions in greenhouse gas production.

Acid Deposition

The process through which acidic substances fall to the Earth's surface, often harmful to ecosystems and human structures.

Sick Building Syndrome

A situation where building occupants experience health issues linked to time spent in a building, often due to air quality.