APES Air Pollution

Pollutants

Substances that contaminate the environment and pose health risks.

Air pollution

The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere affecting air quality.

Particulate matter

Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that can harm health.

Solid particulate matter

Particles that exist in solid form and are found in the air.

Lead

A heavy metal pollutant that can have serious health effects.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Gases produced from combustion processes that contribute to smog and health problems.

Sulfur Oxides (SOx)

Gases produced from burning fossil fuels, affecting air quality and health.

Clean Air Act

A U.S. law designed to control air pollution by regulating emissions.

Ozone thinning

The depletion of the ozone layer, leading to increased UV radiation.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at reducing substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Forest Decline

The deterioration of forests due to environmental stressors, including pollution.

Noise Pollution

Harmful or annoying levels of noise in the environment.

Primary air pollutant

Pollutants directly emitted into the air from sources.

Secondary air pollutant

Pollutants formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions.

Mobile Sources

Moving sources of pollution, such as vehicles.

Stationary Sources

Fixed sources of pollution, such as factories.

Industrial Smog

Pollution resulting from industrial processes, primarily coal burning.

Photochemical Smog

Smog formed from chemical reactions involving sunlight and pollutants.

VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds that can lead to air quality problems.

Temperature inversion

A weather phenomenon where warm air traps pollutants close to the ground.

Electrostatic Precipitator

A device that removes particles from exhaust gases using electric charges.

Scrubbers

Devices that remove harmful substances from industrial emissions.

Catalytic Converters

Devices that convert harmful gases from auto exhaust into less harmful substances.

Carbon Oxides

Gases including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, significant pollutants.

Hydrocarbons

Organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon that can contribute to pollution.

Ozone

A gas that occurs both in the stratosphere and troposphere, acting as a pollutant at ground level.

Stratosphere

The atmospheric layer above the troposphere where the ozone layer is located.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs and pollutants are found.

Vapor Recovery

Systems designed to capture vapors from fuel and prevent air pollution.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can cause skin damage and is increased by ozone depletion.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals found to deplete the ozone layer.

Ozone Depletion

The reduction of ozone in the stratosphere due to pollutants.

Acid Deposition

The deposition of acidic components in rain, snow, or dust, affecting ecosystems.

Sick Building Syndrome

A condition where occupants of a building experience health issues believed to be related to time spent in the building.

Radon

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings and pose health risks.