APES UNIT 7

Primary Pollutants

Emitted directly from a source, such as CO, NOx, and SO2.

Secondary Pollutants

Form when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere, e.g., ozone and acid rain.

Criteria Air Pollutants

Six pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: NO2, O3, SO2, CO, PM, Pb.

Photochemical Smog

Forms when NOx and VOCs react in sunlight creating tropospheric ozone.

Industrial Smog

Caused by burning coal releasing SO2, prevalent in areas with heavy coal use.

Thermal Inversion

A layer of warm air traps cooler air below, worsening air pollution.

Acid Rain

Precipitation formed from SO2 and NOx reacting with water in the atmosphere.

Effects of Acid Deposition

Lowered water pH affecting aquatic life, nutrient leaching from soil, erosion of structures.

Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5)

PM10 are larger particles causing irritation; PM2.5 are smaller, penetrating deep into lungs.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

CO binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport, causing serious health issues.

Stratospheric Ozone

Protects from UV radiation (good ozone).

Tropospheric Ozone

A secondary pollutant and component of smog (bad ozone).

Indoor Air Pollutants

Common ones include radon, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.

Noise Pollution Effects

Leads to hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, and disruptions in wildlife.

Clean Air Act

Regulates air pollutants, establishes standards, and reduces emissions.

Reducing Vehicle Pollution

Methods include catalytic converters, public transport, and electric vehicles.

Controlling Industrial Pollution

Methods include scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and baghouse filters.

Montreal Protocol

A global agreement that banned CFCs to protect the ozone layer.

Role of Trees in Air Quality

Trees absorb CO2, filter particulates, and produce oxygen.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Chemicals that evaporate easily from products like paints and gasoline.

Sources of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Pollution

Includes burning coal and oil, industrial processes, and volcanic eruptions.

Lead in the Atmosphere

Main source was lead-based gasoline, phased out by the Clean Air Act.