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APES: A Global Concern > Chapter 16: Air Pollution > Flashcards

Chapter 16: Air Pollution Flashcards

1
Q

According to the EPA how many millions of tons of air pollution are released into the atmosphere each year in the U.S?

A

147 million tons; Not including carbon dioxide or wind-blown soil

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2
Q

Due to legislative acts, which developed countries have reduced air pollution in the last 30 years?

A

Europe, North America, and Japan

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3
Q

Which country has the most air pollution?

A

China

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4
Q

How many of the world’s smoggiest cities are in China?

A

7 out of 10

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5
Q

The word pollution comes from which Latin word?

A

Pollutus

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6
Q

What does pollutus mean?

A

Dirty or unclean

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7
Q

What are 5 examples of natural air pollution?

A

Volcanoes, sea spray, trees, pollen and spores, and viruses and bacteria

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8
Q

Primary Pollutants

A

Pollutants released directly into the air in a harmful form

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9
Q

Secondary Pollutants

A

Formed by chemical reaction that occur in mixing air. Become harmful after reaction. Solar energy often provides the energy for reaction.

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10
Q

Fugitive Emissions

A

Pollutants that don’t go through a smokestack. The most massive is dust. Dust comes from soil erosion, mining rock crushing, and building construction. Fugitive emissions also come from leaks in equipment.

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11
Q

Clean Air Act of 1970

A

Designated 7 major pollutants with mandated levels

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12
Q

What are the 7 “conventional” or “criteria” pollutants considered to be the most harmful to human health and welfare?

A
  1. Sulfur dioxide
  2. Nitrogen oxides
  3. Carbon monoxide
  4. Particulates (aerosols)
  5. Hydrocarbons
  6. Photochemical oxidants
  7. Lead
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13
Q

Catalytic Converter

A

Device attached to the exhaust system of a motor vehicle to eliminate CO (carbon monoxide). Half of the CO released in the U.S. comes from motor vehicles. These devices also help eliminate NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) from auto exhaust.

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14
Q

Scrubbers

A

Used in smokestacks. Use fine mists of CaCO3 (Calcium carbonate) or CaO (Calcium oxide) solution to wash pollutants out of smoke.

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15
Q

Electrostatic Precipitator

A

Removes particles by putting a negative charge on them, attracting them to plates to be scraped off later. Good for removing PM-10 (particulate matter smaller than 10 mm in size).

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16
Q

What are examples of primary pollutants?

A 
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Nitrous Dioxide (NO2)
Nitrous Oxide (NO)
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Most hydrocarbons and suspended particles
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17
Q

What are examples of secondary pollutants?

A 
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
Sulfur Trioxide (SO3)
Nitric Acid (HNO3)
Ozone (O3)
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) 
Most Nitrates (NO3) and Sulfate ions (SO4-2)
18
Q

Photochemical Smog

A

The unpleasant brown air pollution that sits over most large cities on warm, sunny days. (Brown haze)

19
Q

What are sources of photochemical smog?

A

Cars and sunlight

20
Q

Heat Island Effect

A

Increased heat in large cities due to machinery, buildings and lack of natural surroundings.

21
Q

Temperature Inversion

A

Traps pollutants, warm air sits atop cooler air preventing the cool air from rising.

22
Q

Acid Deposition

A

Occurs when oxides of sulfur and nitrogen are oxidized (combine with oxygen) in the atmosphere then react with water vapor and form acids.
Acid deposition is usually not as much of a problem at the source, but miles downwind. (Sources have been identified hundreds of miles away.)

23
Q

Acidic particulates creates what?

A

Acid rain, snow, sleet, hail and fog

24
Q

What are examples of the acids deposited?

A 
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and sulfate ions (SO4-2)
Nitric acid (HNO3) and nitrate ions (NO3-)
25
Q

Acids leach what?

A

Calcium and magnesium from soil

26
Q

Acids release what?

A

Toxic ions of aluminum, lead, cadmium, and mercury into the soil resulting in reduced plant growth.

27
Q

What are 2 natural buffers in soil?

A

Lime (CaO) and limestone (CaCO3)

28
Q

What damage does acid give plants?

A

Direct damage to leaves and stems of plants, increasing plant vulnerability to disease, pests, extreme weather, etc.

29
Q

What happens when acid gets into waterways?

A

Acidified waterways harm fish and aquatic life.

Many lakes in Canada and Scandinavia have reduced fish populations due to acid deposition.

30
Q

How does acid deposition affect humans?

A

Irritated respiratory systems

31
Q

How does acid deposition affect buildings?

A

Accelerates erosion/deterioration of building materials

32
Q

How does indoor air pollution accumulate in buildings?

A

Poor air ventilation

33
Q

What are examples of indoor air pollution?

A

Cigarette smoke, formaldehyde, radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, bacteria/mold/viruses/pollen/dust/mildew/and yest

34
Q

Cigarette Smoke

A

Risk is multiplied in non-circulating, trapped air. Causes cancer, heart disease, birth defects, etc. Best remedy: ban in enclosed buildings

35
Q

Formaldehyde

A

Present in plywood, carpet, furniture, drapes, etc. Causes headaches, respiratory problems, eye irritation, dizziness, cancer, etc. Remedy: substitute formaldehyde products for those without, improve ventilation.

36
Q

Radon

A

Radioactive gas that seeps through buildings from the ground. Alpha particles can cause lung damage and cancer. Should periodically air out buildings.

37
Q

Carbon Monoxide

A

Can accumulate from furnaces, fireplaces, grills, or anything that produces combustion. Initially causes headaches and drowsiness. It is an asphyxiate.

38
Q

Asbestos

A

A mineral used heavily in insulation products in the past. Also found in acoustic ceiling tiles and floor tiles. Asbestos fibers irritate skin and respiratory system and leads to cancer.

39
Q

Bacteria, viruses, pollen, dust, mold, mildew, and yeast

A

Living organisms that can be airborne and accumulate in ventilation, heating, or air conditioning systems. Causes Sick Building Syndrome.

40
Q

What do temperature inversions trap?

A

Pollutants

41
Q

Cities create what?

A

Dust domes and heat islands

42
Q

What percent of airborne mercury of the U.S comes from Asia?

A

70%

APES: A Global Concern (45 decks)

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