APES unit 7

What is air pollution?

The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that negatively affect human health, the environment, and climate.

What are air pollutants?

Substances that originate from natural sources and human activities that contribute to air pollution.

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.

What is Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)?

A gas produced by burning fossil fuels containing sulfur, contributing to acid rain.

What is Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)?

A gas produced by combustion processes, contributing to smog and acid rain.

What is Particulate Matter (PM)?

Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, categorized by size as PM10 and PM2.5.

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

Organic chemicals that easily vaporize at room temperature.

What are common sources of air pollution?

Industrial activities, vehicle emissions, burning fossil fuels, and natural sources like wildfires.

How does air pollution affect human health?

It can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, eye irritation, and long-term illnesses.

What is acid rain?

Precipitation that contains high levels of acids, primarily due to emissions of SO2 and NOx.

What are the impacts of acid rain?

Acidification of lakes, damage to forests, and deterioration of buildings and monuments.

What is photochemical smog?

A type of air pollution formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants like NOx and VOCs.

What is a thermal inversion?

A meteorological phenomenon where warm air traps cooler air near the Earth's surface, worsening air pollution.

What are indoor air pollutants?

Harmful substances present in indoor environments, including tobacco smoke, mold, and radon gas.

What is radon gas?

A naturally occurring, colorless, and odorless radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors, posing health risks.

What is the Clean Air Act?

A federal law in the U.S. that sets national air quality standards and requires states to develop plans to meet them.

What are catalytic converters?

Devices installed in vehicles that convert harmful emissions into less harmful substances.

What are scrubbers?

Air pollution control devices used in industrial facilities to remove pollutants from exhaust gases.

What are vapor recovery nozzles?

Devices used at gas stations to capture gasoline vapors during refueling, reducing air pollution.

How can renewable energy sources help reduce air pollution?

By shifting away from fossil fuels, which reduces emissions associated with energy generation.

What is acid deposition?

The process by which acidic compounds are deposited from the atmosphere onto the Earth's surface.

What is an asphyxiant?

A substance that can cause suffocation by displacing oxygen in the air.

What are some strategies for controlling air pollution?

Regulatory measures, technological solutions, promoting renewable energy, and public awareness.

What is the role of public awareness in reducing air pollution?

Informing the public about the causes and effects of air pollution can encourage sustainable practices.

What are the health effects of indoor air pollutants?

Respiratory issues, allergies, headaches, and potentially long-term illnesses.

What is the significance of particulate matter (PM2.5)?

PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing serious health risks.

What are the characteristics of photochemical smog?

Typically occurs in urban areas during warm, sunny weather and can cause respiratory problems.

What is the impact of thermal inversions on air quality?

They prevent pollutants from dispersing, leading to poor air quality at ground level.