Air Pollution Lecture

Flashcards to review key concepts related to air pollution, its sources, effects, and mitigation strategies.

Air Pollution is defined as the introduction of __________, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere.

Chemicals

The term __________ refers to the number of people living in counties with air quality concentrations above the level of the NAAQS in 2022.

Air Pollution Now

Smog can be caused by particulate matter and __________.

Noxious Gases

Indoor air pollutants can originate from sources like dust, mold, and __________.

VOCs

Dust is a form of __________ that can get trapped in your lungs.

Particulate Matter

PM10 refers to coarser particles like __________.

Dust

Mold growth is often found in __________, warm areas such as bathrooms.

Damp

The radioactive gas __________-222 can accumulate in enclosed spaces.

Radon

The primary pollutants from combustion processes include nitrogen oxides (NOx) and __________.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Household air pollution deaths due to solid fuels for cooking have been estimated at __________ per region.

2.5 million

Asbestos when disturbed can release fibers that cause __________ diseases.

Lung

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can cause health problems including respiratory illness and __________.

Cancer

Sick Building Syndrome is often caused by a combination of __________ in buildings.

Pollutants

The mnemonic 'NOSCLP' helps remember types of outdoor air pollutants: Nitrogen Oxides, Ozone, __________.

Sulfur Dioxide

Nitrogen oxides are a primary pollutant and are highly reactive, foul-smelling, __________ gas.

Reddish-brown

Ozone is considered a major component of __________.

Smog

Stratospheric Ozone formation is beneficial as it shields Earth from __________.

UV radiation

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is primarily emitted from fossil fuel __________.

Combustion

Lead exposure can cause brain damage and is often linked to __________ sources.

Old paint

Particulate matter formation includes small particles like dust and __________.

Soot

Thermal inversion happens when warm air is trapped at the surface by __________ air above.

Cool

The Great Smog of London was caused by an increase in __________ and poor weather conditions.

Lignite

Photochemical smog is often referred to as 'LA Smog' and is formed in __________, dry conditions.

Hot

Acid deposition is a secondary pollutant formed from __________ and sulfur oxides.

Nitrogen oxides

Acid rain can severely damage ecosystems and human-made __________.

Structures

Mitigation strategies for air pollution include catalytic converters and __________.

Scrubbers

Noise pollution can originate from construction, traffic, and __________ activities.

Industrial

The decibel level of normal conversation is about __________ dB.

60

Noisy environments can affect children's __________ development.

Speech

A temperature inversion allows pollutants to build up in __________.

Valleys

Regulatory measures for pollution include penalties for __________.

Misuse

The Clean Air Act was established to manage air emissions through the __________.

EPA

The concept of Cap and Trade allows companies to sell credits for __________ pollutant emissions.

Lower

Vapor Recovery Nozzles at gas pumps are designed to prevent __________ emissions.

Vapor

Green design emphasizes energy-efficient building and __________ management.

Waste

Driving less and using bikes are examples of green __________.

Habits

Particulate matter smaller than __________ microns is considered most dangerous to health.

2.5

An increase in indoor PM2.5 levels can lead to respiratory health problems like __________.

Asthma

Human sources of air pollutants include vehicle emissions and __________.

Industrial activities

Nitric oxide (NO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are examples of __________ pollutants.

Primary

Inhalation of high levels of noise can result in noise-induced __________ loss.

Hearing

The formation of nitric acid (HNO3) occurs during acid deposition influenced by __________ oxides.

Nitrogen