Air Pollution Flashcards
source of formaldehyde
indoor air pollutants (furniture)
source of radon
can naturally escape from soil into basements of home
source of mercury
naturally released from volcanos, forest fires; released when fossil fuels are burned
source of carbon monoxide
released when burning any fuel such as in a vehicle or furnace
source of nitrous oxide
naturally released by lightning; released when fossil fuels are burned
primary pollutants
pollutants that are put directly into the air by human or natural activity.
secondary pollutants
pollutants that form from chemical reactions that occur when primary pollutants come in contact with other primary pollutants or with naturally occurring substances, such as water vapor.
what does a catalytic converter do in a car?
NO2 is converted to N2 and O2 (also converts CO to CO2 and H2O)
photochemical smog
is formed in the presence of sunlight unlike industrial smog; formed when primary pollutants interact with sunlight
cause of acid deposition
caused by nitrogen
oxide and sulfur oxide emissions from burning fuels
effects of acid deposition
can cause the water and soil pH to become acidic. In soils, this leaches heavy metals that interrupt nutrient
absorption by plants and affects photosynthesis
how are heat islands and temp inversions formed?
Temperature inversions are when coastal winds are trapped by an ocean causing a warm pocket/layer of air to
hover between two cooler layers.
top indoor air pollutants
second hand smoke, mold, radon, asbestos, carbon monoxide
Remediation and reduction strategies for controlling radon in the home
Mitigation systems (ventilators) can be used in homes to remove radon seeping into basements; seal cracks
