Chemical Compounds

Escapes quiz

NH3

Ammonia
soure: Decaying organic matter and animal excretion Agriculture – fertilizer use
effects: Gaseous – eye, nose and throat irritant

C6H6

Benzene

source Gasoline additive, Industrial Solvent
effect: Carcinogen

CaCO3

Calcium Carbonate
source: Limestone, Marine organism shells
effect:Can be used as a buffer to reduce acidity (increase pH)

CO

Carbon Monoxide
source: Incomplete Combustion of Fossil Fuels - Cars effect: Can lead to death

CO2

Carbon Dioxide
source: Combustion of Fossil Fuels
effects: Greenhouse gas –Contributes to Global Warming

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons
source: Refrigerants, Air conditioners, Aerosol propellant
effect: Can lead to Ozone Depletion

H2S

Hydrogen Sulfide
source: Volcanic Eruptions
effect: Can lead to the creation of Sulfuric Acid

Pb

Lead
source: Old flaking paint, used to be in gasoline
effect: Toxic to humans as well as other plants and animals

Hg

Mercury (specifically methylmercury)
source: Combustion of Coal
effects: Minamata Disease, Neurotoxin, Death

CH4

Methane
source: Decomposition of organic material
effect: Greenhouse gas –Contributes to Global Warming

NO3

Nitrate
source: Fertilizers
effect: Can lead to eutrophication of bodies of water (Algae Blooms)

NOx: NO & NO2

Nitric Oxide & Nitrogen Dioxide
source: Combustion of Fossil Fuels NO2 needs high temp
effect: Can lead to the formation
of Ozone and PANs via
Photochemical Smog; Can
lead to the formation of
Nitric Acid (Acid Rain)

N2

Nitrogen (Atmospheric)
source: Makes up 78% of the atmosphere.
-Can be created through denitrification

N2O

Nitrous Oxide
source: Fertilizer and animal waste
effects: Greenhouse gas- to Global Warming

HNO3

Nitric Acid
source: Reaction of NOx and Water Vapor
effect: Can lead to a decrease in the pH of bodies of water and/or soil

O3

Ozone
source: Photochemical Smog
effect: Stratosphere – Absorbs UV radiation Troposphere - Lung Irritation

PANs

Peroxyacyl Nitrates
source: Photochemical Smog
effect: Eye Irritation

PO43

Phosphate
source: Fertilizers
effect: Can lead to eutrophication
of bodies of water (Algae Blooms)

PBCs

Polychlorinated Biphenyls
source: Man-made chemicals Exist in the environment from improper disposal
effect: Carcinogen Additional impacts on
Immune, Reproductive, Neurological and Endocrine systems

Rn

Radon
source: Rocks
effects: Radiation poisoning, Carcinogen

SO42

Sulfate
source: Microscopic particles from
combustion of fossil fuels and biomass
effects: Can lead to the creation of Sulfuric Acid
Decreases the amount of sunlight reaching Earth’s surface

SO2

Sulfur Dioxide
source: Combustion of Coal, Smelting, Volcanic Eruptions
effects: Can lead to the formation of Sulfuric Acid (Acid Rain)

H2SO4

Sulfuric Acid
source: Reaction of SO2 and Water Vapor
effects: Can lead to a decrease in the pH of bodies of water and/or soil

VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds
Ex) Benzene, Methane, Propane, Butane
source: Gasoline Fuel Vapors, Paints and Solvents
effects: Lead to the creation of photochemical smo