Environmental Studies Unit 7 Air Pollution

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A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental terms, pollutants, sources, health impacts, measurement tools, and control concepts from Unit 7: Air Pollution. These cards aid in mastering essential definitions for exam preparation.

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41 Terms

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Air Pollution

Presence of harmful gases, particulates, or biological molecules in the atmosphere that endanger human health and the environment.

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Particulate Matter (PM)

Mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets (dust, soot, smoke) suspended in air; classified by size such as PM10 and PM2.5.

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PM2.5

Fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm; penetrates deep into lungs and blood stream.

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PM10

Coarse particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm; can irritate eyes, nose and throat.

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Primary Pollutant

Contaminant emitted directly from a source, e.g., CO, SO₂, NOx, particulate matter.

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Secondary Pollutant

Pollutant formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions between primary pollutants, e.g., ozone, sulphur trioxide.

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Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

Reddish-brown toxic gas produced mainly by vehicle exhausts, power plants and heating; causes respiratory irritation.

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Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

Colourless, suffocating gas released from burning coal and oil; precursor of acid rain.

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Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Colourless, odourless gas from incomplete combustion of fuels; binds with haemoglobin and reduces oxygen delivery.

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Ground-level Ozone

Secondary pollutant formed by sunlight-driven reactions of NOx and VOCs; harmful to lungs and vegetation.

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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Carbon-based gases that react with NOx to form ozone; originate from solvents, fuels, plants.

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Air Quality Index (AQI)

500-point scale that reports overall air quality using pollutant concentrations to indicate health risk.

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AQI Category: Good (0-50)

Air quality is satisfactory; little or no risk.

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AQI Category: Moderate (51-100)

Acceptable, but some pollutants may pose minor health concern for sensitive people.

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AQI Category: Poor (201-300)

Health effects likely for everyone on prolonged exposure; higher risk for heart/lung patients.

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Mobile (Portable) Source

Pollution source that moves—cars, trucks, buses, airplanes—emitting CO, NOx, PM.

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Stationary (Fixed) Source

Non-moving emitter such as power plants, refineries, factories releasing large volumes of pollutants.

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Area (Zone) Source

Pollution originating over a specific region—urban areas, agricultural fields, wood-burning chimneys.

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Natural Source

Non-anthropogenic origin of pollutants, e.g., volcanic eruptions, wildfires, sea-salt spray.

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Global Warming

Long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature from greenhouse gas emissions, notably CO₂ and CH₄.

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Climate Change

Broad alterations in weather patterns and global climate driven by increased greenhouse gases.

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Acid Rain

Precipitation with pH < 5.6 formed when SO₂ and NOx convert to sulphuric and nitric acids in the atmosphere.

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Smog

Dense pollution haze; may be sulphurous (coal-based) or photochemical (sunlight + vehicle emissions).

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Photochemical Smog

Brownish haze rich in ozone and PANs produced by sunlight-triggered reactions of NOx and VOCs.

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Afforestation

Planting of trees on non-forested land to boost oxygen, sequester carbon and improve air quality.

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Alternative Fuel

Energy source such as electricity, solar or biofuel that replaces fossil fuels and reduces emissions.

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Eco-friendly Packaging

Materials that are biodegradable, recyclable or reusable, minimizing toxic emissions from production or disposal.

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Fireworks

Pyrotechnic devices that release metals, smoke, CO and noise, causing short-term spikes in pollution.

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Copper (in fireworks)

Metal that gives blue-green colour; fumes irritate respiratory tract when inhaled.

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Lead (in fireworks)

Toxic heavy metal in some fireworks; harms nervous system on exposure.

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Cadmium (in fireworks)

Heavy metal that reduces blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity and is carcinogenic.

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Zinc (in fireworks)

Metal that can cause metal-fume fever and vomiting when inhaled as oxide fumes.

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Noise Pollution

Excessive sound (measured in dB) that can harm hearing, disturb wildlife and increase stress.

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Respiratory Diseases

Health disorders like asthma, bronchitis, COPD triggered or worsened by polluted air.

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Cardiovascular Diseases

Heart and blood-vessel conditions (e.g., stroke) linked to chronic exposure to air pollution.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Progressive lung disease (emphysema, chronic bronchitis) aggravated by long-term inhalation of irritants.

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Diesel Vehicles

Automobiles using diesel fuel; significant emitters of NOx and PM compared with petrol counterparts.

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Fossil Fuel Combustion

Burning of coal, oil or natural gas for energy, releasing CO₂, SO₂, NOx and PM.

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World Health Organization (WHO)

UN agency that sets global air quality guidelines and reports health impacts of pollution.

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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

US federal body that establishes and enforces air quality standards and calculates AQI.

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Affluence vs. Air Quality

Economic growth often increases emissions unless cleaner technologies and regulations are adopted.