air Flashcards
what does air consist of
21% oxygen
78% nitrogen
air pollution is caused by…
air pollutants
what are the 3 air pollutants
carbon monoxide
sulfur dioxide
oxides of nitrogen
what is the source/ cause of carbon monoxide
caused by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in car engines
what is the source/ cause of sulfur dioxide
natural source: caused by volcanic eruptions
manmade source: burning of fossils fuels in industries
what is the source/ cause of oxides of nitrogen
natural source: lightning activity
manmade source: high temperatures in car engines
what are the effects of carbon monoxide
it react with haemoglobin in the blood, reducing the oxygen level in the body = death
what are the effects of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
irritates the eyes
breathing difficulties
acidic oxides reacts with water in the air –> form acidic rain = kill aquatic life and corrodes buildings
what does acid rain destroys?
buildings
kill marine life
it filters important nutrients from the soil and destroys plants
what are the major contributors of acid rain
sulfur dioxide
oxides of nitrogen