Ch. 12 Key Terms Flashcards
air pollution
the contamination of the atmosphere by the introduction of pollutants from human and natural sources
primary pollutant
a pollutant that is put directly into the atmosphere by human or natural activity
secondary pollutant
a pollutant that forms in the atmosphere by chemical reaction with primary air pollutants, natural components in the air, or both
smog
urban air pollution composed of a mixture of smoke and fog produced from industrial pollutants and burning fuels
temperature inversion
the atmospheric condition in which warm air traps cooler air near Earth’s surface
sick-building syndrome
a set of symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, eye irritation, and dizziness, that may affect workers in modern, airtight office buildings; believed to be caused by indoor pollutants
asbestos
any of six silicate minerals that form bundles of minute fibers that are resistant, flexible, and durable
decibel (dB)
the most common unit used to measure loudness
acid precipitation
precipitation, such as rain, sleet, or snow, that contains a high concentration of acids, often because of the pollution of the atmosphere
pH
a value that is used to express the acidity or alkalinity (basicity) of a system; each whole number on the scale indicates a tenfold change in acidity; of pH of 7 is neutral, a pH f less than 7 is acidic, and a pH of greater than 7 is basic
acid shock
the sudden runoff of large amounts of highly acidic water into lakes and streams when snow melts in the spring or when heavy rains follow a drought
catalytic converter
a car part that converts toxins into less harmful byproducts
carbon monoxide
a deadly colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning fuels like gasoline, wood, propane, and charcoal
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
gases from products or processes that form toxic fumes
radon
a radioactive, colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that forms from broken-down uranium in rock/soil; often leads to lung cancer
