6. Air pollution

Flashcards with key vocabulary terms and definitions from Air Quality lecture notes.

Atmosphere

Two innermost layers are Troposphere and Stratosphere

Greenhouse Gases

H2O, CO2, CH4, N2O

Ozone Layer

Concentrated in stratosphere, protects life from UV radiation, preserves stratospheric layer

Outdoor Air Pollution

Industrial smog, photochemical smog, acid deposition

Indoor Air Pollution

Smoke, coal fire, cigarette smoke

Air Pollution

Chemicals in atmosphere harming organisms/ecosystems

Natural Air Pollutants

Wind, dust, volcanic eruptions

Human Air Pollutants

Factories, cars, outdoor sources

Primary Pollutants

Chemicals released directly into the air (Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, VOC, Particulates)

Secondary Pollutants

Primary pollutants react with each other (Ozone)

Sulfur Dioxide

From sea spray, volcanic fumes, fossil fuel combustion, causes acid rain

Nitrogen Oxides

Reactive gases from heated nitrogen, contribute to smog and acid rain, cause eutrophication

Carbon Monoxide

Colorless, odorless, toxic gas from incomplete combustion, inhibits respiration

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals from plants and human activities, contribute to photochemical oxidants

Particulate Matter

Solid particles/liquid droplets (aerosols), reduce visibility, damage lungs, cause cancer

Ozone (O3) - Secondary Pollutant

Shields biosphere in stratosphere, pollutant in troposphere, damages vegetation/buildings

Industrial Smog

Mix of SO2, H2SO4, solid particles from burning coal

Photochemical Smog

Mixture of primary/secondary pollutants under UV radiation

Acid Deposition

Wet and dry deposition of acidic substances (H2SO4, HNO3)

Ozone Depletion

Reduction of ozone levels in stratosphere, increases UV radiation