LESSON2: EFFECTS OF HUMAN ACT. ON ATMOS.

Effects of Human Activities on the Atmosphere:


  1. Photochemical Smog

  • Caused by the reaction between smoke emissions and sunlight.

  • Common during dry and sunny seasons. 

  • Caused by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen Oxide. 


Effects of Photochemical Smog: 

  1. Eye irritation/por visibility

  2. Respiratory problems 

  3. Decrease in crop yields

  4. Materials becoming brittle 


  1. Thermal Inversion

  • Occurs when a layer of warm air descends and forms an inversion layer. 

  • Occurs in cities as tall buildings prevent air from circulating. 

  • Exposes plants and animals to a higher concentration of pollutants. 


  1. Acid Deposition

  • Nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides emitted in the atmosphere react with oxygen, water, and other chemicals to form nitric acid and sulfuric acid.


  1. Ozone Depletion

  • Destruction of the ozone layer.

  • In 1985, the British Antarctic Survey Team confirmed that there is a hole in the ozone layer over the South Pole or the Antarctic.


  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

  • Mostly produced by air conditioners and refrigerators.

  • The Montreal Protocol (1986) was made to ban refrigerators and air conditioners producing CFCs.


Ways to Reduce the Harmful Effects of Human Activity on the Atmosphere:

  1. Conserve electricity

  2. Use public transportation

  3. Plant trees

  4. Use renewable energy