Air Quality Flashcards
Suspended particulate matter definition (urban pollution)
Particles in the atmosphere which derive from power stations and vehicle exhausts.
Responsible for- fog/smog, respiratory problems, soiling of buildings and may contain carcinogens.
Sulphur dioxide definition (urban pollution)
Produces- haze, acid rain, respiratory problems, damage to lichens and plants and corrosion of buildings
Oxides of nitrogen definition (urban pollution)
Cause- accelerate weathering of buildings, photochemical reactions, respiratory problems, acid rain and haze
Photochemical oxidants definition (urban pollution)
Associated with- smog, damage to plants and a range of discomforts to people including headaches, eye irritation, coughs and chest pains
What does air pollution vary with
The time of year and with air pressure
Why might concentration of pollutants increase 5 or 6 fold in winter
Because temperature inversions trap them over the city
What is smog
A mixture of fog and smoke particles
When did Britain suffer especially bad smog
19th-20th century because of the high incidence of coal burning
December 1952
Smog in London was responsible for more than 4,000 deaths
What did the 4,000 deaths in London result in
British government deciding that legislation needed to be introduced to control coal burning
What is photochemical smog
The action of sunlight on nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in vehicle exhaust gases causes a chemical reaction, which results in the production of the ozone.
Why does LA have a serious problem with photochemical smog
Because of its high density of vehicles, frequent sunshine and topography that traps photooxidant gases at low levels
Why is photochemical smog a particular hazard during anticyclonic conditions
Because once the air has descended it is relatively static owing to the absence of wind
What area is perfect for the establishment of photochemical smog
River basins
Worst affected city of Europe for photochemical smog
Athens, Oxford and Bath
