Air quality

Smog

a mixture of smoke and fog, and air pollutants

temperature inversion

atmospheric condition during which a warm layer of air stalls above a layer of cool air that is closer to the surface of the earth

• pollutants can build up when they are trapped close to the earth’s surface

• contributes to smog (conceptualized as a “cap”)

Criteria of air pollution

large amounts of particulate matter released during collapse of World Trade Center

• examples include asbestos, fiberglass, components of concrete and wallboard

air quality index

used to provide the public with an indication of air quality in a local area on a daily basis

• purpose: communicate how clean or polluted the air is informed people about possible health risks

Health effects of air pollution and particulate matter

• acute: irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; bronchitis; coughing

• long-term/ chronic: heart disease; COPD; lung cancer

• cancer, damage to nervous system, impairment of lung and breathing function

Particulate matter health effects

• Health effects: airway irritation, lung and heart effects, premature death in people with heart or lung disease

• environmental effects: haze, increased acidity in lakes and streams, forest and crop damage, discolors buildings, furnitures, and clothing

Clean Air Act of 1970

comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources:

• authorizes EPA to establish air quality standards to protect public health and public warfare and to regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants