Atmospheric Pollution

Point Air Pollution

Pollution that can be localized to a specific source or area.

Nonpoint Air Pollution

Pollution that covers a larger area and does not have a specific point source.

Primary Pollutants

Pollutants released directly into the atmosphere, such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants formed when primary pollutants interact with other substances, like O3 and HNO3.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Colorless, foul-smelling gas released from fossil fuel combustion, causing respiratory irritation and acid rain.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Solid and liquid particles in the air from various sources, leading to respiratory issues.

Lead (Pb)

Heavy metal neurotoxin historically used in gasoline, causing lower IQ levels and bioaccumulation.

Ozone (O3)

Secondary pollutant formed from VOCs and nitrous oxides, causing respiratory irritation.

Nitrogen Oxides

NO2 and NO released from fossil fuel combustion, contributing to respiratory problems and acid rain.

Carbon Monoxide

Colorless, odorless gas from fossil fuel combustion, affecting oxygen transport in the blood.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Carbon-containing compounds from various sources, including fossil fuel combustion.

Radon-222

Radioactive gas from decaying uranium, linked to lung cancer.

Asbestos

Naturally occurring mineral fibers causing lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Clean Air Act

Legislation setting standards for air pollutants, limiting emissions, and funding pollution research.

Vapor Recovery Nozzle

Device in gas nozzles capturing VOCs and sending them to an underground tank.

Catalytic Converter

Vehicle component reducing emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances.

Scrubber

Device removing pollutants from industrial emissions by passing air through a liquid or solid material.

Electrostatic Precipitator

Device capturing industrial pollutants using electric charges to attract and collect particles.

Photochemical Smog

Formation involving NO, VOCs, UV, and O2 leading to O3 and PANS, impacting urban areas.

Temperature Inversion

Atmospheric condition trapping pollutants due to temperature increasing with altitude.