Air Pollution and Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to air pollution, its sources, effects, and regulations.

Air Pollution

The introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to harm plants,animals and materials such as buildings or alter ecosystems

Anthropogenic Sources

Pollution that originates from human activity like transportation, fuel combustion and industrial processes

Natural Sources of Air Pollution

Pollutants that arise from natural processes such as volcanoes, lightning, and forest fires.

Primary Pollutants

Polluting compounds that are emitted directly into the atmosphere.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants that have transformed in the presence of sunlight, water, or other compounds.

Criteria Pollutants

The six pollutants deemed most harmful to human health under the Clean Air Act: SO2, PM, Pb, O3, NO2, and CO.

Big Six Pollutants

Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Particulate Matter, Ozone, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Lead.

Combustion of Fossil Fuels

The burning of fossil fuels which releases a variety of primary pollutants.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A gas not classified as a criteria pollutant, produced from respiration and combustion.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

A group of gases consisting of nitrogen and oxygen, produced from combustion processes.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

A gas that is a primary pollutant, mainly produced from burning fossil fuels.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature.

Particulate Matter (PM10)

Particles suspended in air that are 10 micrometers or smaller.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

Fine particles that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which can penetrate deep into the lungs.

Ozone (O3)

A secondary pollutant that has beneficial effects in the stratosphere but harmful effects in the troposphere.

Acid Rain

Precipitation with a pH lower than 7, caused by acid deposition from NOx and SOx.

Photochemical Smog

A type of air pollution that is dominated by oxidants such as ozone.

Thermal Inversion

A situation where a warm layer of air traps emissions near the ground.

Scrubbers

Devices used to remove pollutants from emissions produced by industrial processes.

Electrostatic Precipitators

Devices that use electric charge to remove particles from exhaust gases.

Sick Building Syndrome

Buildup of toxic compounds in buildings that cause health problems for occupants.

Radon

A colorless, odorless gas that can seep into buildings and is a risk for lung cancer.

Lead

A heavy metal that can cause CNS toxicity, found in older homes and buildings.

Asbestos

A fibrous mineral that can cause respiratory diseases and is found in insulation materials.

Noise Pollution

Unwanted or harmful sounds that can negatively affect health.

Mercury

A toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in organisms, particularly in fish.

Gaseous Pollutants

Pollutants that exist in a gaseous state, like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

Acid Deposition

The falling of acids from the atmosphere to the earth's surface, often contributing to environmental damage.

Clean Air Act

A United States federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level.

Particulate Matter Sources

Smoke, dust, pollen, and other solid or liquid particles emitted into the atmosphere.

Respiratory Irritant

Substances that can cause irritation to the respiratory system.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Market-Based Pollution Control

Approaches that use economic incentives to reduce pollution.

Pollutant Standards

Set limits established for specific pollutants based on health impacts.

Environmental Health

Public health principles and practices focused on the protection of the environment and human health.

Ozone Depletion

The reduction of ozone in the stratosphere due to pollutants like CFCs.

Fossil Fuels

Natural fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, used for energy.

Smog

Fog or haze combined with smoke and other atmospheric pollutants.

Environmental Justice

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to environmental laws.

Sustainability

Meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into forms usable by living organisms.

Carbon Sink

Natural systems that absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Pollution Prevention

Strategies to reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants.

Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing, such as solar or wind.

Non-renewable Energy

Energy sources that do not replenish within a human timescale, like coal and oil.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment.

Greenwashing

The practice of promoting false or misleading information about environmental practices.

Carbon Footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions produced directly or indirectly by an individual or organization.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Urban areas that are significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities.

Renewable Resources

Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over short periods.

Air Quality Index

A measure used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

Eutrophication

An increase in nutrients in water bodies, often leading to algae blooms.

Biodegradable Waste

Waste that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms.

Sewage Treatment

The process of removing contaminants from municipal wastewater.

Buffer Zones

Areas established to protect sensitive environments or ecosystems.

Environmental Impact Assessment

A procedure to evaluate the environmental effects of proposed projects or actions.

Carbon Trading

A system for buying and selling allowances for greenhouse gas emissions.

Waste Management

The activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal.

Landfill

A site for the disposal of waste materials.

Composting

The process of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps and yard debris.

Sustainability Goals

Targets set to promote environmental protection and sustainable practices.

Resource Depletion

The consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished.

Environmental Regulations

Rules and laws that control how people use natural resources and manage waste.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth.

Ecosystem Restoration

The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded or destroyed.

Transboundary Pollution

Pollution that originates in one country but can affect another country's environment.

Zero Waste Policy

A strategy aimed at reducing the amount of waste produced by reusing, recycling, and composting as much as possible.

Natural Resource Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources.

Pollinator Decline

The decrease in populations of pollinating species, which is crucial for food production.

Wetlands Restoration

Efforts to restore the natural functions and values of wetland ecosystems.