Air Pollutants Flashcards
Natural factors that affect air pollution
- Winds
- Local/regional topography
- Temperature inversion
Volcanoes as sources contribute what
sulfur oxides, particulates
Forest fires as sources contribute what
Carbon monoxide/dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates
Plants as sources contribute what
Hydrocarbons, pollens
Decaying plants as sources contribute what
Methane, hydrogen sulfides
Soil as sources contribute what
Dust & viruses
Oceans as sources contribute what
Salt spray and particulates
Temperature inversions are caused by
- Long, cold nights
- cloudless skies
- stable air pressure
- snow cover
- low wind
- in SLC’s case, a valley
What is an inversion?
An inversion is a warm layer of air that traps cold air in a valley. It does not always cause pollution, but in city settings pollution is common.
How is an inversion made possible?
It’s made possible by stable air, a low angle of the sun (due to the winter), mountains that block sunlight (due to a valley), and cooling air near the ground.
Major primary pollutants | Carbon Monoxide
- Colorless
- Odorless
- Produced during combustion of wood, coal, oil, natural gas (via vehicles)
Major primary pollutants | Sulfur Dioxides/Oxides
- Gaseous pollutants that form whenever sulfur-containing fuels (coal, oil) are burned
- Sulfur combines with oxygen
Particulate Matter
- Two sizes: PM10, PM 2.5
- Particle pollution made of small dust, soot particles.
PM 10
10 micrometers in diameter; 1/7th the size of a human hair strand
PM 2.5
- 2.5 micrometers or less
- Can imbed in human lung tissue, causing respiratory/cardiac issue. Can also enter bloodstream.
- Low PM 2.5 numbers equal green or good air.
Higher numbers equate red or unhealthy air.
