Air Pollution Flashcards
What is thought to be responsible for the “sfumato” or smokiness in classic paintings?
The artists observed blue light scattering caused by the reaction of hydrocarbons with ozone and water
Name the six criteria pollutants.
PM (2.5 now but previously 10), SOx, NOx, O3, CO, lead
Why is NO2 called the “great absorber?”
Is is the only primary pollutant to absorb light (hv) across the entire UV and visible spectrum. This created a great deal of energy causing it to be very reactive with oxygen to from ozone (a secondary pollutant). It is one of the major contributors to smog.
Where does sulfur dioxide largely come from and what is it a precursor to?
It comes primarily from fossil fuel burning and it is a precursor to acid rain.
Is all ozone bad for the environment?
No, stratospheric ozone is beneficial as it protects us from harmful UV radiation but tropospheric ozone can be related to many harmful health outcomes, most notably respiratory illness.
Where do we typically see the largest numbers of ozone standard exceedances?
In urban and metropolitan areas such as the greater LA area, Atlanta, greater Macon area and metropolitan areas in Texas such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin.
What size designations of PM are given and where can they each migrate into the respiratory system?
Course (>2.5 microns) can usually migrate into the nasal-pharyngeal region and into the trachea and bronchi.
Fine (0.1-2.5 microns) can typically get lodged in the bronchial and alveolar regions.
Ultrafine (<0.1 microns) can often pass from the alveolar regions of the lungs into the bloodstream.
About how man hazardous air pollutants are targeted by EPA?
<200
Even though our GMP and lifestyles are improving and our aggregate criteria pollutant emissions are decreasing, why do we still have excess morbidity and mortality related to air pollution?
About 1/2 our population lives in areas where criteria pollutants exceed standards, especially ozone.
In developing many developing countries, does indoor or outdoor air pollution contribute more to overall disability days?
Indoor air
