chapter 15 // air pollution & stratospheric ozone depletion

air pollution

introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to harm plants, animals, & materials such as buildings, or alter ecosystems

particulate matter (PM)

solid or liquid particles suspended in air. ALso known as particulates; particles

photochemical oxidant

a class of air pollutants formed as a result of sunlight acting on compounds such as nitrogen oxides

ozone (O3)

a secondary pollutant made up of 3 oxygen atoms

smog

type of air pollution that is a mix of oxidants & particulate matter

photochemical smog

smog dominated by oxidants such as ozone (Los Angeles-type smog; brown smog)

sulfurous smog

smog dominated by sulfur dioxide & sulfate compounds (London-type smog; gray smog; industrial smog)

volatile organic compound (VOC)

an organic compound that evaporates at typical atmospheric temperatures

primary pollutant

a polluting compound that comes directly out of a smokestack, exhaust pipe, or natural emission source

secondary pollutant

primary pollutant that has undergone transformation in the presence of sunlight, water, oxygen, or toher compounds

major air pollutants

sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulates, & ozone

human activities generate air pollution

transportation, generation of electricty, space heating & industrial processes

thermal inversion

a situation in which a relatively warm layer of air at mid-altitude covers a layer of cold, dense air below

inversion layer

the layer of warm air that traps emissions in a thermal inversion

how acid deposition forms

composed of hydrogen, sulfate, & nitrate ions, formes from both sulfur dioxide & nitrogen oxides\`

benefits of stratospheric ozone

* in atmosphere it absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation
* it allows for plant & animal life to exist

the depletion of stratospheric ozone

chlorine-containing compounds such as CFCs led to a redution in stratospheric ozone

asbestos

a long, thin, fibrous silicate mineral w/ insulating properties, which can cause cancer when inhaled

sick building syndrome

a buildup of toxic pollutants in an airtight spcae, seen in newer buildings

risk associated w/ carbon monoxide & particulates

accound for 4 million deaths annually worldwide (56% are kids younger than 5)