4 Flashcards
Effects of air pollution
Health
Acidification
Eutrophication
Climate change
PRIMARY SOURCES of AIR POLLUTION
These are emitted directly into the atmosphere.
- SO2
- CO
- NOx
- SOx
- Particulates
- Hydrocarbons
- Metals
SECONDARY SOURCES of AIR POLLUTION
These pollutants are formed in the atmosphere by chemical reactions either with water or by reaction with sunlight. These include:
- O3 (ozone)
- Other photochemical oxidants
- Oxidised hydrocarbons
UK Clean Air Strategy,
2019
Plans for dealing with all sources of air pollution, making our air healthier to breathe, protecting nature and boosting the economy
UK Clean Air Strategy Aim, Emission targets for 5 key pollutants:
Aim to cut harm to human health by half.
Emission targets for 5 key pollutants:
* Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5
* Ammonia (NH 3
* Nitrogen oxides (NO x
* Sulphur dioxide (SO 2
* Non methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs)
What can we do on a personal level?
Reduce vehicle usage
Turn off your engine when parked or in traffic
Switch to electric vehicle
Reduce how much you burn in your home and garden
Insulate your home
Reduce number of deliveries needed
Reduce exposure by:
Opening windows when cleaning or doing DIY
Choose quieter routes when walking or cycling
Air pollution categories
Primary: Emitted directly into the atmosphere
e.g. particles from diesel engines
Secondary: Formed by reaction with atmosphere
e.g. sulphuric acid from sulphur
dioxide
Sources of industrial emissions
- Continuous:
Stacks
Chimneys
General ventilation
Vacuum pumps - Routine:
Equipment cleaning
Start up /shutdown
Materials handling - Irregular:
(The most difficult to control!)
Plant failure
Spillages
Leaks
Demolition
CRITERIA POLLUTANTS identified by the EC and WHO are:
- CO
- NO2
- O3 (Ozone)
- SO2
- PM-10 (particulate matter with diameter <10μm)
- Lead
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is the long-term change in average weather conditions, including temperature, precipitation and wind.
PARIS AGREEMENT, 2015
Key elements:
*To limit global temperature increase to 1.5 C
*To limit GHG emissions by humans to the same levels that
trees, soil and oceans can absorb naturally (Net
*Achieve this between 2050 and 2100
*Rich countries to help poor
IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION – BHOPAL DISASTER
The Bhopal gas tragedy is considered the world’s worst industrial disaster.
Over 500,000 people were exposed to methyl isocyanate Methyl isocyanate and other chemicals Long term health effects
These gases caused long term health effects:
- Eye damage – cataracts, corneal opacities
- Respiratory issues
- Neurological impairments
- Children’s health – many children of parents exposed have birth defects
UK Net zero targets
Requires UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions
to net zero by 2050
First
First major economy to pass net zero emissions law
Part of the Climate Change Act
net zero meaning
Net zero means any emissions balanced by schemes to off
set equivalent amount of GHG from atmosphere
E.g. by planting, more trees, carbon capture and storage
Waste minimisation hierarchy
air pollution
Reduction at source: Efficient design
Recycling/reuse: Collection & Recycling
Treatment:
- Incineration
- Adsorption
- Absorption
Disposal: to air