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.