Unit 7.1: Introduction to Air Pollution

NOx, SO2, CO, PM, Pb, O3

Clean Air Act criteria pollutants

Sulfur Dioxide

SO2; results from coal combustion; respiratory irritant, acid precipitation, smog

Nitrogen Oxides

NOx; results from FF/biomass combustion; O3, photochemical smog, acid precipitation

Carbon Monoxide

CO; results from incomplete combustion; O3, lethal to humans

Particulate Matter

PM; results from FF/biomass combustion; respiratory irritant, smog

Tropospheric Ozone

O3; photochemical oxidation of NO2; respiratory irritant, smog, plant damage

Lead

Pb; results from metal plants and waste incineration; neurotoxicant

Coal Combustion

releases more air pollutants than other FFs; ~35% of global electricity

Primary Air Pollutants

emitted directly from sources such as vehicles, power plants, factories, or natural sources (volcanoes, forest fires); produces NOx, CO, CO2, VOCs, SO2, PM, hydrocarbons

Secondary Air Pollutants

primary pollutants that have transformed in the presence of sunlight, water, and O2; tropospheric O3, sulfuric acid, nitric acid