Air Pollutants and Their Effects

Vocabulary flashcards covering key air pollutants, their sources, effects, controls, and interesting facts.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A primary pollutant from cars and gas stoves that blocks oxygen in the blood, is odorless but deadly.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

A primary pollutant from coal plants and volcanoes causing breathing issues and acid rain, known for its sharp smell.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)

Primary pollutant and smog precursor from cars and power plants, leading to lung damage and the formation of ozone.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5/PM10)

Consists of tiny particles from fires and engines harmful to heart and lungs, controlled by filters and clean fuel.

Ozone (O₃)

A secondary pollutant created from VOCs and NOₓ in sunlight causing lung issues, beneficial in the upper atmosphere but harmful at surface level.

Lead (Pb)

A primary pollutant from old paint and batteries, causing brain damage and posing a major danger to children.

Nitric Acid (HNO₃)

A secondary pollutant formed from NOₓ and water, associated with acid rain.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Primary pollutants from paints and cleaners leading to smog and irritation.

Radon (Rn)

A natural pollutant from soil and rock that is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Asbestos

A solid pollutant from old insulation, causing lung disease despite being fireproof.

CFCs

Ozone-depleting compounds from aerosols and refrigerators, banned under the Montreal Protocol.

Formaldehyde

A VOC found in furniture and smoke, associated with irritation and cancer risk.

Photochemical Smog

A secondary pollutant resulting from sunlight, VOCs, and NOₓ, causing breathing issues.

Tobacco Smoke

An indoor pollutant from smoking that contains over 7,000 chemicals, leading to cancer and heart issues.

Mercury (Hg)

A heavy metal from coal burning and mining, harmful to the brain.

Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl₄)

A VOC notorious for liver harm and as an ozone destroyer, banned and highly toxic.

PAN (Peroxyacetyl Nitrate)

A secondary pollutant causing eye and lung irritation, formed from VOCs and NOₓ.

Industrial Smog

A mix of primary and secondary pollutants from coal burning that harms lungs.

Dichlorobenzene

A VOC from air fresheners and mothballs, causing irritation and organ damage.

Water (H₂O)

A natural compound, not a pollutant, essential to smog and the greenhouse effect.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A greenhouse gas from fossil fuel burning that contributes to global warming.

Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)

A secondary pollutant resulting from SO₂ and water, forming acid rain.

Styrene

A VOC from plastic and rubber factories that can irritate and possibly cause cancer.