Air Pollution 2

What is a temperature inversion?

A layer of warm air traps cooler polluted air near Earth's surface, preventing pollutants from dispersing.

How does a temperature inversion affect pollution levels?

It increases pollution levels because pollutants become trapped beneath the warm air layer.

What caused the London Smog Disaster of 1952?

Coal burning combined with weather conditions that trapped pollutants near the ground.

Why was the London Smog Disaster significant?

It led to environmental reforms and increased awareness of air pollution dangers.

What is particulate matter (PM)?

Tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air.

What are examples of particulate matter?

Dust, smoke, soot, ash, and pollen.

What does PM-10 mean?

Particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter.

What does PM-2.5 mean?

Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.

Which is more dangerous, PM-10 or PM-2.5?

PM-2.5 is more dangerous because it can penetrate deeper into the lungs and bloodstream.

What health effects can particulate matter cause?

Asthma, lung irritation, heart disease, lung cancer, and premature death.

How do bag filters reduce particulate matter?

They trap particles in large fabric filters as gases pass through.

How do cyclones remove particulate matter?

Spinning gases force heavy particles to the walls where they fall into a collector.

How do electrostatic precipitators work?

Particles receive an electric charge and are attracted to oppositely charged plates.

What is a coal ash pond?

A storage site for waste ash produced by burning coal.

Why are coal ash ponds hazardous?

They contain toxic heavy metals that can contaminate water and soil.

What environmental concerns exist about fly ash ponds in Central Illinois?

Groundwater contamination, river pollution, and toxic metal leakage.

What gas mainly causes acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide (SO2).

How does sulfur dioxide form acid rain?

It reacts with oxygen and water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid.

What does the pH scale measure?

How acidic or basic a substance is.

What pH is considered neutral?

pH 7.

Are acids above or below 7 on the pH scale?

Below 7.

At what pH level do environmental harms begin to occur?

Below about pH 5.6.

What is acid deposition?

The falling of acidic rain, snow, fog, or dry particles from the atmosphere.

How does acid rain affect aquatic ecosystems?

It kills fish and aquatic organisms and disrupts food chains.

How does acid rain affect crops?

It removes nutrients from soil and reduces plant growth.

What type of rock buffers acid rain?

Limestone.

What chemical in limestone helps neutralize acid rain?

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

Why is acid deposition common in the Northeast United States?

Winds carry pollution from Midwestern power plants eastward.

What is flue gas desulfurization?

A process that removes sulfur dioxide from power plant exhaust gases.

What is another name for flue gas desulfurization?

A scrubber.

What mineral is used in scrubbers to remove sulfur dioxide?

Limestone.

What mineral forms during flue gas desulfurization?

Gypsum.

What has happened to SO2 emissions since 1970?

They have greatly decreased.

What has happened to PM-10 emissions since 1970?

They have decreased significantly.

What law helped reduce SO2 and PM emissions?

The Clean Air Act.

Why is PM-2.5 especially harmful?

It can enter the bloodstream and remain airborne longer.

What are flue gases?

Exhaust gases released from industrial processes and power plants.

What is gypsum?

A mineral formed during scrubber reactions that remove sulfur dioxide.

What toxic metals may be found in coal ash?

Mercury, lead, and arsenic.

Why are lakes in the Northeast vulnerable to acid rain?

They often have thin soils and limited natural buffering capacity.

What happens to pollutants during a normal atmosphere without inversion?

Warm air rises and disperses pollutants upward.

What weather condition often contributes to temperature inversions?

Calm winds and cool ground temperatures.

How did the Clean Air Act improve air quality?

By regulating emissions from industries and vehicles.