Air Pollution and Air Quality Index

Practice flashcards for reviewing key concepts related to air pollution, Air Quality Index, and their impacts.

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

An index that measures the degree of pollution in the air based on the concentration of various pollutants.

What pollutants are included in the AQI?

Particulate matter, Ground level ozone (O3), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

What does an AQI value of 0 to 50 indicate?

Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Describe stationary sources of air pollution.

Stationary sources refer to buildings, immobile structures or installations that emit air pollutants, such as smokestacks.

What distinguishes mobile sources of air pollution from stationary sources?

Mobile sources are vehicles propelled by combustion of fuels and are not confined to a discrete point of emissions.

What are area sources of air pollution?

Area sources have emissions not confined to a single point, including activities such as construction and unpaved roadways.

What health effects are associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5)?

Worsening of respiratory diseases, cognitive disorders, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

What role does the Air Quality Management Cycle play?

It establishes goals, determines emission reductions, evaluates ongoing programs, and implements control strategies.

What is the significance of truncating pollutant concentrations when calculating AQI?

Truncation standardizes the measurement process and ensures accurate AQI calculations based on defined breakpoints.

What might an AQI value greater than 100 indicate?

Air quality is unhealthy, with potentially more severe effects on certain sensitive groups and the general population as values increase.