Environmental Studies Unit 7 Air Pollution

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.

Air Pollution

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

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.

PM2.5

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

PM10

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

Primary Pollutant

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

Secondary Pollutant

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

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

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

Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

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

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

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

Ground-level Ozone

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

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

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

Air Quality Index (AQI)

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

AQI Category: Good (0-50)

Air quality is satisfactory; little or no risk.

AQI Category: Moderate (51-100)

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

AQI Category: Poor (201-300)

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

Mobile (Portable) Source

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

Stationary (Fixed) Source

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

Area (Zone) Source

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

Natural Source

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

Global Warming

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

Climate Change

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

Acid Rain

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

Smog

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

Photochemical Smog

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

Afforestation

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

Alternative Fuel

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

Eco-friendly Packaging

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

Fireworks

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

Copper (in fireworks)

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

Lead (in fireworks)

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

Cadmium (in fireworks)

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

Zinc (in fireworks)

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

Noise Pollution

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

Respiratory Diseases

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

Cardiovascular Diseases

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

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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

Diesel Vehicles

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

Fossil Fuel Combustion

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

World Health Organization (WHO)

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

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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

Affluence vs. Air Quality

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