Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Deposition

Acid rain that harms ecosystems.

Aerosols

Tiny particles in the air, affecting air quality.

Asbestos

Harmful fibers found in old buildings, causing lung disease.

Carbon Monoxide

A harmful, odorless gas from burning fuels.

Clean Air Act (1990’s Amendments)

U.S. law to limit air pollution.

Criteria Pollutants

Harmful pollutants regulated by law.

Industrial Smog

Pollution from factories, often in cold areas.

Indoor Air Pollution

Pollution inside buildings, often from chemicals.

Lead

A toxic metal that causes health problems, especially in kids.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Pollutants from burning fuels, causing acid rain.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution from many sources, like runoff.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution from one specific source, like a factory.

PM10 & PM2.5

Tiny particles in the air that harm lungs.

Photochemical Smog

Smog formed by sunlight reacting with pollutants.

Primary Pollutant

Pollution directly emitted, like car exhaust.

Radon Gas

Radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.

Secondary Pollutant

Pollution formed by reactions in the air (e.g., ozone).

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Health problems from poor indoor air quality.

Sulfur Dioxide

Gas from burning fuels that causes acid rain.

Thermal Inversion

Warm air traps pollution close to the ground.

Tropospheric Ozone

Ozone in the lower atmosphere, harmful to health.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Chemicals that contribute to smog.

Heat Island Effect

Cities being hotter than rural areas due to human activities.