Air pollution

Air Pollution

Introduction of harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Inputs

Sources contributing to air pollution.

Outputs

Components removing pollutants from the atmosphere.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Corrosive gas from fuel combustion and volcanic eruptions.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOX)

Gases from combustion, including NO and NO2.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Colorless gas from incomplete combustion of fuels.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Gas from complete combustion, exceeds 400 ppm.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Solid or liquid particles suspended in air.

PM10

Particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers.

PM2.5

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers.

Photochemical Oxidants

Pollutants formed by sunlight acting on compounds.

Ground-level Ozone (O3)

Secondary pollutant harmful to respiratory function.

Photochemical Smog

Smog dominated by oxidants like ozone.

Acid Rain

Rainfall with high levels of sulfuric and nitric acids.

Indoor Air Pollutants

Pollutants found within buildings affecting health.

Noise Pollution

Unwanted or harmful sound affecting human health.

Respiratory Irritant

Substance causing irritation in respiratory system.

Combustion

Chemical reaction producing heat and light.

Volcanic Activity

Natural eruptions releasing gases and particulates.

Forest Fires

Natural fires contributing to air pollution.

Anthropogenic Sources

Pollutants originating from human activities.

Natural Sources

Pollutants originating from natural events.

Nitric Acid

Acid formed from nitrogen oxides in atmosphere.

Ecosystem Alteration

Changes in ecosystems due to pollution.

Respiration

Process of breathing, releasing CO2.

Decomposition

Breakdown of organic matter, releasing CO2.

Haze

Reduction of visibility due to particulate matter.

Photochemical smog

Smog dominated by ozone and oxidants.

Sulfurous smog

Smog dominated by sulfur dioxide and sulfates.

Lead (Pb)

Toxic trace metal found in fuels and paint.

Mercury (Hg)

Toxic trace metal from fossil fuel combustion.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic compounds that evaporate at atmospheric temperatures.

Primary pollutant

Pollutant emitted directly from sources.

Secondary pollutant

Pollutant formed from primary pollutants' transformation.

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Federal law regulating air emissions and pollutants.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Standards to protect public health from air pollutants.

Ozone (O3)

Ground-level pollutant formed by nitrogen oxides and VOCs.

NO2

Nitrogen dioxide, a precursor to ozone formation.

Ozone destruction

Natural process reforming O3 into O2 and NO2.

Anthropogenic emissions

Pollutants originating from human activities.

Trace metals

Metals present in small concentrations, often toxic.

Hydrocarbons

Organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon.

Ground-level ozone

Ozone formed at Earth's surface, harmful to health.

Photochemical oxidants

Pollutants formed from reactions involving sunlight.

Industrial smog

Smog resulting from industrial emissions, often gray.

Brown smog

Another term for photochemical smog, often seen in cities.

Gray smog

Another term for sulfurous smog, typically in industrial areas.

Evaporation

Process of a substance transitioning from liquid to gas.

Sublimation

Transition of a substance from solid to gas.

Combustion

Chemical reaction producing heat and light, often with pollutants.

Ozone concentrations

Levels of ozone, peaking in afternoons during summer.

Natural sources of VOCs

Vegetation like trees releasing organic compounds.

Urban air pollution

Pollution concentrated in cities, often from vehicles.

Forest fires

Natural events contributing to air pollution and VOCs.

Photochemical Smog

Air pollution caused by sunlight and pollutants.

VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds that increase with temperature.

NOX

Nitrogen oxides produced from fuel combustion.

Ozone (O3)

A photochemical oxidant formed from chemical reactions.

Respiratory Problems

Health issues caused by photochemical smog exposure.

Thermal Inversion

Warm air traps cooler air and pollutants below.

Inversion Layer

Warm air layer preventing pollutant dispersion.

Indoor Air Pollution

Pollution occurring within buildings, affecting health.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Colorless gas from malfunctioning heating systems.

Asbestos

Fibrous mineral causing cancer when inhaled.

Radon

Radioactive gas from uranium decay, lung cancer risk.

WHO Indoor Pollution Deaths

4 million deaths annually from indoor air pollution.

Biomass Energy

Fuel from organic materials, often poorly ventilated.

Pollutant Trapping

Inversion layers trap pollutants near Earth's surface.

Health Effects of Smog

Includes lung damage, asthma, and eye irritation.

Low Birth Weights

Adverse health outcome linked to air pollution.

Pollution in Cities

Inversion layers more common in mountainous cities.

CO Detectors

Devices to detect harmful carbon monoxide gas.

Asbestosis Symptoms

Shortness of breath and persistent dry cough.

Radon Testing

Recommended to identify radon levels in homes.

EPA Radon Estimates

21,000 deaths annually from radon-induced lung cancer.

Pollution Sources

Includes VOCs, NOX, and indoor pollutants.

Chemical Compounds

Various substances that can pollute indoor air.

Ozone Formation

Accelerated by heat and sunlight conditions.

Air Quality

Influenced by temperature, emissions, and pollution levels.

Ventilation Importance

Crucial for reducing indoor air pollution exposure.

VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds found in home products.

Formaldehyde

Toxic VOC used in adhesives and wood products.

Sick Building Syndrome

Health issues from toxic pollutants in airtight buildings.

Inadequate Ventilation

Insufficient airflow causing pollutant buildup indoors.

Chemical Contamination

Pollutants from indoor sources like cleaning agents.

Biological Contamination

Pollutants from mold and pollen indoors.

Outdoor Sources

Pollutants entering buildings from external environments.

Pollution Control Methods

Strategies to reduce air pollution emissions.

Cleaner Fuels

Fuels that produce fewer emissions when burned.

Vapor Recovery Nozzle

Device preventing gasoline fumes during refueling.

Fluidized Bed Combustion

Process reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from coal.

Catalytic Converters

Devices converting exhaust pollutants into less harmful gases.

Gravitational Settling

Process where gravity causes particulates to settle.

Baghouse Filters

Fabric filters trapping particulates from exhaust gases.

Electrostatic Precipitator

Device using electric charge to remove particles.

Scrubber

Device using water to remove particles from exhaust.

Water-Particle Sludge

Mixture collected from scrubbers for disposal.

Smog

Air pollution primarily composed of ozone.

Nitrogen Oxides

Pollutants reduced by catalytic converters in vehicles.

Sulfur Dioxide

Pollutant from coal, reduced by fluidized bed combustion.