Air Pollution

Question 1

What are the major sources of urban air pollution?

What chemicals or pollutants are released by these the major sources?

What types of health effects are associated with urban air pollution?

Answer 1

PM(2.5) & PM (10)

• Source: Combustion
• Health Effects: Cardio-V & resp. diseases; low birth weight

SO2

• Source: Fossil Fuel Power Plants (Coal & Fuels)
• Health Effects: Low Birth Weight

NOx

• Source: Motor Vehicles & Coal Combustion
• Health Effects: Asthma & Other Respiratory Conditions

Ozone (smog)

• Source: Motor Vehicles
• Health Effects: Asthma & Other repiratory conditions

Lead

• Source: Fossil Fuel combustion & Mining
• Health Effects: Neurobehavioral & Hypertension

Question 2

What sub-populations or groups of people are most affected by urban air pollution?

Answer 2

• Children
• Street Vendors
• Commercial Drivers

Question 3

Cite several example of environmental contaminants that are transported regionally or globally through the atmosphere,

Answer 3

BaP, DDT, HCB, CFC, Sulfur Dioxide, Pb, CO, NOx, Toxaphene

Question 4

What climatological factors promote the global transport of contaminants through the atmosphere?

Answer 4

Winds carry contaminants, as well as movement of earth. Rain and precipitation bring these chemicals to earth

Question 5

What is meant by the “grasshopper effect”?

Answer 5

The grasshopper effect refers to the process by which certain chemicals are transported from warmer regions to colder regions. Ex. toxic pollutants released thousands of miles to the south evaporate in the warm climate. They then ride the winds until they reach the cold air of the Arctic, where they eventually fall to the earth.

Question 6

What are the major sources of indoor air pollution in developing countries?

Answer 6

Open wood fires, coal burning stoves, and Tobacco smoke

Question 7

What chemicals or pollutants are released by these sources of indoor air pollution?

Answer 7

CO, NOx, SO2, Particulates, Polycydic aromatic hydocarbons

Question 8

From a geographic perspective, what regions of the world suffer the most indoor air pollution?

Answer 8

Africa & Southeastern Asia (China & India)

Question 9

What types of health effects are associated with indoor air pollution>

Answer 9

Lung cancer, Wheezing, low birth weight, Chronic bronchities, Cataract

Question 10

What sub-populations or groups of people are most effected by indoor air pollution?

Answer 10

Children, Pregnant Women, and the elderly

Question 11

What are some programs intended to reduce urban air pollution? Describe technical and social aspects of these programs, as well as success and obstacles in their implementation. (Mexico Case Study)

Answer 11

Command and Control:

• Conversion to unleaded gas (reduced lead exposure, allowed installation of catalytic converters)
• Switch to low sulfur fuels (especially diesel)
• Emissions standards for vehicles

Community Assessment and Involvement

• Little knowledge about and attitudes toward air pollution issues for citizens of Mexico City before the training.
• Increased involvement of women in education and planning

Question 12

Evaluate policies and strategies for reducing indoor air pollution in developing countries.

Answer 12

• Education in schools, communities & media
• Tax “bad” fuels and provide subsidies for “good”fuels and appliances (stoves)
• Legislation/regulation (command and control)
• Government provides appliances