unit 7 vocab

Air pollution

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

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

A corrosive gas primarily from the combustion of fuels like coal and oil.

Haze

Reduced visibility due to particulate matter in the air.

Photochemical oxidant

A class of air pollutants formed as a result of sunlight acting on chemical compounds.

Smog

A type of air pollution that is a mixture of oxidants and particulate matter.

Lead (Pb)

A trace metal that is a neurotoxin and occurs naturally in rocks and soils.

Hydrocarbons

Pollutant compounds containing carbon-hydrogen bonds, such as gasoline.

Photochemical smog

Smog dominated by oxidants like ozone; known as Los Angeles-type smog.

Sulfurous smog

Smog dominated by sulfur dioxide and particulate matter; known as gray smog.

Sublimate

The process of converting from a solid to a gas or vapor.

Formaldehyde

A naturally occurring compound used as a preservative and adhesive.

Thermal inversion

An atmospheric condition where a warm layer of air traps cold air below.

Inversion layer

The warm air layer that traps emissions in a thermal inversion.

PM10

Particulate Matter-10, particles smaller than 10 um that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract.

PM2.5

Particulate Matter-2.5, particles 2.5 um and smaller that pose greater health risks.

Indoor air pollutants

Compounds that negatively affect air quality in buildings.

Asbestos

A fibrous mineral that can cause cancer when inhaled.

Radon-222

A naturally occurring radioactive gas from uranium decay, an indoor air pollutant.

Sick building syndrome

A buildup of toxic pollutants in newer, weatherized buildings.

Vapor recovery nozzle

A device that prevents VOCs from escaping during vehicle refueling.

Catalytic converter

A device that converts pollutants into less harmful substances.

Scrubber

A device that removes particles from industrial exhaust streams.

Electrostatic precipitator

A device that removes particulate matter using electrical charges.

pH

The relative strength of acids and bases in a substance.

Noise pollution

Unwanted sound that can cause health issues.

Decibel (db(A))

A scale that measures the loudness of sound and frequency.

Acid

A substance that contributes hydrogen ions to a solution.

Base

A substance that contributes hydroxide ions to a solution.

Acid rain

Precipitation high in sulfuric acid and nitric acid.