AP Environmental Science Unit 7 - Atmospheric Pollution

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Clean Air Act (1970)

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AP Environmental Science Unit 7 - Atmospheric Pollution

40 Terms

1

Clean Air Act (1970)

Legislation that identified 6 criteria air pollutants that the EPA is required to set acceptable limits for, monitor, and enforce.

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2

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Air pollutant released from coal combustion that contributes to respiratory irritation, smog, and acid precipitation.

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3

Nitrogen Oxides (NO and NO2)

Air pollutant released from combustion of fossil fuels and biomass that leads to respiratory irritation, tropospheric ozone formation, and acid precipitation.

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4

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Air pollutant released from incomplete combustion that is lethal to humans and contributes to the formation of tropospheric ozone.

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5

Particulate Matter (PM)

Solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, released from fossil fuel and biomass combustion, that can cause respiratory irritation and smog.

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6

Tropospheric Ozone (O3)

Air pollutant formed through the photochemical oxidation of nitrogen oxides, causing respiratory irritation, smog, and plant damage.

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7

Lead (Pb)

Air pollutant released from metal plants and waste incineration that is a neurotoxicant and damages the nervous systems of humans.

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8

Primary Air Pollutants

Pollutants emitted directly from sources such as vehicles, power plants, factories, or natural sources.

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9

Secondary Air Pollutants

Pollutants formed through the transformation of primary pollutants in the presence of sunlight, water, and oxygen.

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10

Photochemical Smog

Smog formed when primary pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, react with sunlight, leading to the formation of tropospheric ozone and other photochemical oxidants.

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11

Thermal Inversion

Atmospheric condition where a cooler air mass becomes trapped near the Earth's surface, preventing the dispersion of air pollutants.

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12

Acid Rain

Precipitation that has a lower pH due to the presence of nitric and sulfuric acids formed from the reaction of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide with oxygen and water in the atmosphere.

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13

Noise Pollution

Any noise at a high enough volume to cause physiological stress or hearing loss, often caused by construction, transportation, industrial activity, or domestic activity.

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14

Urban Heat Island Effect

Phenomenon where urban areas have higher surface and air temperatures compared to surrounding suburban and rural areas due to lower albedo and less evapotranspiration.

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15

Acid Deposition

The process by which acid rain falls onto the Earth's surface, leading to soil and water acidification and negative impacts on plants, animals, and aquatic ecosystems.

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16

Limestone

A natural base that can neutralize acidic soil and water by reacting with hydrogen ions, moving the pH closer to neutral.

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17

CAFE Standards

Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards that regulate the fuel efficiency of vehicles, aiming to reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to acid rain.

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18

Natural Sources of Air Pollutants

Sources such as lightning strikes, forest fires, combustion of biomass, and volcanic activity that release pollutants into the atmosphere.

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19

PM10

Particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers, including dust, pollen, ash, and mold, which can irritate the respiratory tract and cause inflammation.

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20

PM2.5

Particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, primarily from combustion sources, that can travel deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues.

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21

Indoor Air Pollutants

Substances that are released into the air indoors and can have negative effects on human health.

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22

Developing Countries

Nations that have lower levels of industrialization and economic development compared to developed countries.

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23

Biomass Fuels

Subsistence fuels such as wood, manure, and charcoal that are commonly used for cooking and heating in developing countries.

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24

Commercial Fuels

Fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas that are supplied by utilities and commonly used in developed countries.

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25

Particulate Matter (PM)

Tiny particles suspended in the air that can be harmful to human health when inhaled.

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26

Asbestos

A long, silicate particle that was previously used in insulation and has been linked to lung cancer and asbestosis.

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27

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion and can be lethal to humans in high concentrations.

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28

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Chemicals used in various home products that easily vaporize and can irritate the eyes, lungs, and bronchioles.

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29

Radon Gas

A radioactive gas released by the decay of uranium that can enter homes through cracks in the foundation and is a leading cause of lung cancer.

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30

Dust and Mold

Natural indoor air pollutants that can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

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31

Lead

A toxic metal that can be found in old paint and water pipes and can cause damage to the central nervous system, especially in children.

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32

Reduction of Air Pollutants

Strategies and measures to decrease the amount of air pollutants released into the atmosphere.

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33

Clean Air Act

Legislation that allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set acceptable levels for air pollutants and monitor emissions from facilities.

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34

Pollution Credits

Credits earned by companies that reduce emissions below acceptable levels, which can be sold to companies that exceed those levels.

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35

CAFE Vehicle Standards

Standards that require vehicle manufacturers to work towards making more fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce air pollutants.

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36

Vapor Recovery Nozzle

A nozzle used during refueling that captures hydrocarbon VOCs released from gasoline fumes, reducing air pollution.

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37

Catalytic Converter (CC)

A device required on all vehicles after 1975 that converts harmful gases such as NOx and CO into less harmful substances.

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38

Crushing Limestone

A method used to reduce SO2 emissions from coal power plants by mixing crushed coal with limestone before combustion.

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39

Fluidized Bed Combustion

A combustion process that uses jets of air to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, particularly NOx.

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40

Wet and Dry Scrubbers

Devices used to remove pollutants from emissions, with dry scrubbers targeting NOx, SOx, and VOCs, and wet scrubbers targeting PM as well.

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