Air and Noise Pollution Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering air pollutants, their sources, and other forms of pollution discussed in the lecture notes.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Air pollutant from coal combustion that causes respiratory issues, smog, and acid rain.

Nitrogen Oxides (NO and NO2)

Air pollutant from fossil fuel combustion that causes ozone emissions, photochemical smog, and acid rain.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Air pollutant from incomplete combustion that is lethal to humans by replacing oxygen in red blood cells.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Air pollutant from fossil fuel/biomass combustion that causes respiratory illnesses and smog.

Ozone (O3)

Air pollutant from photochemical oxidation of NO2, causing respiratory illnesses, smog, and plant damage.

Lead (Pb)

Air pollutant from metal manufacturing and waste incineration.

Thermal Inversion

Condition where cold air is at the earth’s surface and hot air is above, trapping pollutants.

Asbestos

Particle used in older insulation; when disturbed, it can enter lungs.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Chemicals found in many household products like cleaners, plastics, adhesives.

Radon Gas

Gas that seeps into houses through the ground and is the 2nd most common cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Black Mold

Mold form that is especially harmful to humans and grows in damp areas with poor ventilation.

Noise Pollution

Pollution caused by traffic, factories, construction, and home activity, leading to stress and communication issues in humans and physiological stress in wildlife.