Unit 7 Atmospheric Pollution

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to air pollution.

Air Pollution

The introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to harm plants, animals, and materials.

Natural Emissions

Pollution sources from natural events like volcanoes, lightning, and forest fires that release compounds classified as pollutants.

Anthropogenic Sources

Human-made sources of pollution including on-road vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes.

Residence Time

The duration a pollutant remains in the atmosphere before being removed.

Criteria Pollutants

Pollutants that pose significant threats to human health; include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, tropospheric ozone, particulate matter, and lead.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A common emission in vehicle exhaust, significant in urban air pollution and dangerous due to incomplete combustion.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

A corrosive gas from fuel combustion, which irritates respiratory systems and affects plant tissue.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Primarily from vehicle and fossil fuel combustion; these contribute to respiratory issues and photochemical smog.

Ozone (O3)

A secondary pollutant formed from reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Solid or liquid particles suspended in air; categorized by size (PM2.5 and PM10) and can harm health and visibility.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic compounds that evaporate at room temperature and are precursors to ozone formation.

Primary Pollutant

A polluting compound that comes directly out of a smokestack or exhaust pipe.

Secondary Pollutant

A primary pollutant that has transformed in the presence of sunlight and other compounds.

Clean Air Act (1970)

Legislation that established air quality standards and pollution control measures in the United States.

Thermal Inversion

A meteorological condition where a warm layer of air traps pollutants in a cooler layer below.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that contains sulfuric and nitric acids, which harm ecosystems and lower pH levels in water bodies.

Sick Building Syndrome

Health issues caused by indoor air pollution, with symptoms including headaches and respiratory problems.

Noise Pollution

Harmful levels of noise that cause physiological stress and can impair communication in animals.

What were the main changes made in the Clean Air Act of 1970 and 1990?

• 1970: Set air quality standards and gave EPA power to regulate pollution.

• 1990: Strengthened regulations, added focus on acid rain and ozone.

• What compounds are needed for the formation of tropospheric ozone?

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sunlight.

What are the sources and impacts of air pollution?

• Sources: Transportation, industry, natural sources.

• Impacts: Health issues (asthma, cancer), environmental damage (forest, water).

What are common sources of indoor air pollution, and how does it affect health?

• Sources of indoor air pollution include radon, tobacco smoke, cooking appliances, and mold.

• Impacts on health can include respiratory issues, increased cancer risk, and headaches.

What causes acid deposition, and how can it be prevented?

• Causes: SO2 and NOx emissions.

• Impacts: Harmful to trees, soil, and water.

• Prevention: Reducing emissions, using scrubbers.

What causes thermal inversions, and how do they affect air quality?

Thermal inversions occur when a layer of warm air traps cooler air below, preventing pollutants from dispersing. This can lead to smog formation and various health problems such as respiratory issues.

How does smog form, and what are its types and impacts?

• Formation: Reaction of pollutants with sunlight.

• Types: Photochemical smog (brown), industrial smog (gray).

• Impact: Health issues, reduced visibility.

ow do you calculate pollutant concentration in the air?

Practice solving concentration, percentage, and unit conversion problems.

What is the difference between primary and secondary pollutants?

• Primary: Directly emitted pollutants (e.g., CO, NOx).

• Secondary: Formed by reactions in the atmosphere (e.g., ozone, acid rain).

• What are the six criteria air pollutants, and what are their sources?

• CO, NOx, SO2, PM10, Ozone, Lead.

• Sources: Transportation, power plants, industry.

What is radon gas, and how does it affect health?

• Source: Radioactive decay of uranium.

• Health impact: Lung cancer.

• What are scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and catalytic converters?

• Scrubbers: Remove SO2.

• Electrostatic precipitators: Remove particles.

• Catalytic converters: Reduce NOx, CO emissions.

What is the difference between anthropogenic and natural sources of air pollution?

• Anthropogenic: Human-made (e.g., industry, cars).

• Natural: Natural events (e.g., wildfires, volcanoes).

What causes acid deposition, and how does it affect trees?

• Causes: SO2 and NOx.

• Impact: Damages trees, harms soil, affects forest growth.

• Prevention: Reducing emissions.

escribe the difference between primary and secondary pollutants.

• Primary: Emitted directly (e.g., CO, NOx).

• Secondary: Created by reactions in the atmosphere (e.g., ozone, acid rain).

• Prevention: Reduce emissions, use clean energy.