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from mr. brockhoff's study guide
combustion
chemical process of burning, which produces heat and light, typically involving a fuel and an oxidizing agent such as oxygen.
photochemical smog
a type of air pollution that occurs when sunlight reacts with pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, leading to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone.
photochemical oxidant
a reactive substance formed when sunlight interacts with pollutants, often leading to harmful effects on health and the environment.
acid rain
precipitation that contains elevated levels of sulfuric or nitric acids, resulting from the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
ozone
a gas composed of three oxygen atoms, found in the Earth's stratosphere, that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
air quality
the condition of the air within our surroundings, often measured by the presence of pollutants and their impact on health and the environment.
diesel fuel
a type of fuel derived from crude oil, used in diesel engines, known for its energy efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to gasoline.
clean air act
a United States federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level, establishing air quality standards and regulations to protect public health and the environment.
environmental protection agency (epa)
the U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating and enforcing national environmental laws, including air and water quality standards.
lead
a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health issues, particularly in children, and is often found in old paint, plumbing, and gasoline.
primary pollutant
directly emitted into the atmosphere
secondary pollutant
formed by the reaction of primary pollutants in the atmosphere.
volatile organic compounds (vocs)
organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature, leading to significant emissions into the atmosphere. They can contribute to air pollution and have various health effects.
thermal inversion smog
occurs when a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to poor air quality.
sick building syndrome
a condition in which building occupants experience health issues linked to time spent in a building, often due to poor indoor air quality.
particulate matter
A mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, which can be harmful to health when inhaled. Particulate matter includes dust, dirt, soot, and smoke, and can originate from various sources such as vehicles, industrial processes, and natural events.
carbon monoxide
a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It can be harmful or fatal when inhaled, as it prevents oxygen from entering the body's cells.
asphyxiant
A substance that can cause suffocation or a lack of oxygen in the body by displacing air or preventing oxygen from entering the bloodstream.
criteria pollutants
Air pollutants that are regulated by the EPA due to their harmful effects on health and the environment, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and lead.
asbestos
A naturally occurring mineral fiber that is resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals, commonly used in construction materials. It is known to cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and asbestosis, when inhaled.
radon
A colorless, odorless radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It can accumulate in homes and is linked to lung cancer when inhaled.
vapor recovery nozzle
A device used at fuel dispensing stations to capture and recover gasoline vapors that are released during refueling, preventing air pollution and promoting environmental safety.
catalytic converter
A device in vehicles that reduces harmful emissions by converting toxic gases from the engine into less harmful substances before they exit the exhaust system.
wet/dry scrubbers
Devices used to remove pollutants from exhaust gases by capturing particles and gases in a liquid solution or using a dry material.
electrostatic precipitators
Devices that use electric charges to remove particles from exhaust gases, improving air quality by trapping dust and smoke.
acid deposition
The process by which acidic pollutants, primarily sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, are deposited from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, often resulting in environmental harm such as soil and water acidification.
sulfur dioxide
A colorless gas with a pungent odor, produced by volcanic eruptions and industrial processes, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels. It contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems.
limestone
natural base that can neutralize acidic soil/water. Calcium carbonate reacts with H+ ions, forming HCO3 and giving off Ca2+ This neutralizes acidic water/soil, moving it closer to pH of 7.
corrosion
The gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, due to chemical reactions with environmental elements such as water and oxygen, often leading to deterioration and structural damage.
noise pollution
The presence of excessive or harmful levels of noise in the environment, often caused by traffic, industrial activities, or urban development, which can have adverse effects on human health and wildlife.
decibel
A unit used to measure the intensity of sound, often expressed on a logarithmic scale, indicating the level of sound pressure relative to a reference value.
