2 - Air Pollution Flashcards
It refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air that can negatively affect human health.
Air pollution
These are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. It can come from natural sources like dust and pollen, as well as human activities such as burning fossil fuels and industrial emissions. It can cause respiratory problems and contribute to air pollution-related health issues.
Particulate matter (PM)
It refers to a group of gases, including Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Nitric Oxide (NO). They are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes.
Nitrogen oxide (NOX)
These are gases formed when sulfur-containing fuels, such as coal and oil, are burned.
Sulfur Oxide (SOX)
It is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, wood, and biomass.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
These are diverse group of organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They are emitted by various sources including solvent, paints, adhesives, and gasoline.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS)
Some health effects associated with air pollution:
- Respiratory issues
- Cardiovascular problems
- Allergies and allergic reactions
- Impaired lung development
- Increased risk of cancer
They are in charge of defining allowable limits for CO2 emissions.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The 6 greenhouse gases according to EPA:
- Carbon Dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous Oxide
- Hydrofluorocarbons
- Perfluorocarbons
- Sulfur Hexafluoride
Halogens according to the EPA:
- Fluorine
- Chlorine
- Iodine
- Bromine
It refers to a city that is much warmer than the nearby rural areas as as result of habitation.
Urban heat island
These are meteorological phenomena in which soot, dust, and chemical emissions become trapped in the air above urban spaces.
Urban dust domes
It involves filtering air emissions which can trap particulates in a mesh cotton cloth, spun glass fibers, or asbestos cellulose.
Particulate removal
These are the most common particulate controls in power plants wherein ash particles pick up an electrostatic surface change as they pass between large electrodes.
Electrostatic precipitators
These are often the best method for destroying volatiles organic chemicals in industrial exhaust stacks.
Afterburners