Air Pollution 2

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A greenhouse gas that indirectly contributes to climate change and is sourced from fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and respiration.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

A toxic gas with a strong odor from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes, causing respiratory problems.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)

A group of gases, including NO and NO₂, that contribute to smog and acid rain; sourced from vehicle emissions and power plants.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Tiny particles suspended in the air that can cause lung disease and heart problems; sourced from dust, combustion, and wildfires.

Lead (Pb)

A toxic heavy metal sourced from old gasoline and industrial processes, which causes brain damage and developmental issues.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless gas from incomplete combustion that reduces oxygen in the blood and can cause dizziness and death.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

A group of organic chemicals that vaporize easily and can cause headaches and long-term cancer risk; sourced from paints and cleaning products.

Radon-222

A radioactive gas that can enter buildings through cracks in foundations and is linked to lung cancer risk.

Asbestos

A fibrous mineral found in old insulation and building materials that causes lung disease and mesothelioma.

Dust

Tiny solid particles in the air that aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions.

Mold

A type of fungus found in damp environments that can cause allergies and respiratory issues.

Formaldehyde

A toxic chemical in furniture and building materials that causes eye irritation and has cancer risk.

Vapor Recovery Nozzle

A gas pump nozzle that captures fuel vapors to prevent VOCs from escaping into the air.

Catalytic Converter

A device in vehicles that reduces emissions by converting CO, NOₓ, and VOCs into less harmful gases.

Wet Scrubbers

A pollution control device using liquid to remove pollutants, effective in reducing SO₂ and PM.

Dry Scrubbers

A device that uses dry chemicals to neutralize harmful gases, reducing SO₂ and acid gases.

Electrostatic Precipitators

A device that removes particulate matter from exhaust gases using an electric charge.

Photochemical Smog Formation

A process involving NO₂ and UV light that results in the formation of ozone and pollutants.

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

The breakdown of ozone caused by CFCs leading to chemical reactions that lower ozone levels.

Acid Rain Formation

The result of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide combining with water vapor to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

Thermal Inversion

A meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps pollutants near the ground.

Noise Pollution Impacts

Effects of noise pollution on humans include hearing loss and stress; on wildlife, it disrupts communication and reproduction.