EPA 6 Major Pollutants

Question 1

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Answer 1

Silent Killer

Colorless odorless gas produced by incomplete fuel combustion of vehicles and engines are the main sources of CO

THE HARM:

Prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobins by taking oxygen’s place preventing oxygen transport within body, killing you.

Don’t sleep in your garage!

Question 2

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Answer 2

Produced when atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen combine during engine combustion.

THE HARM:

Contributes to smog,ozone depletion, and acid deposition

Question 3

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Answer 3

CARBON CONTAINING (hence the word organic) compounds emitted by vehicles and solvents

THE HARM:

They react to produce secondary pollutants like smog

Ex.) methane (CH4), propane

Question 4

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Answer 4

Enjoyed by burning sulfur containing fossil fuels (coal,diesel,ext…) in electricity production, vehicle emissions, among other things

THE HARM

contributed to acid deposition as well and smog and haze

Question 5

Particulate Matter (PM)

Answer 5

Solid or liquid particles, small enough to be suspended in air. Can be a primary (soot ,dust) or secondary pollutant (sulfates,nitrates)

Question 6

PM 10

Answer 6

Less than 10 microns in diameter

Question 7

PM 2.5

Answer 7

Less than 2.5 microns in diameter

Question 8

Lead (Pb)

Answer 8

REMEMBER: THERE IS NO SAFE ALOUNT OF LEAD EXPOSURE

Heavy metal that can enter the bloodstream as a particulate pollutant. Results in burning leaded gasoline or metal smelting

THE HARM:

A neurotoxins that damages the nervous system.

Question 9

Catalytic Converters

Answer 9

Contain metals that react with hydrocarbons,CO , and nitrogen oxides in vehicle exhaust, converting them into CO2, H2O AND N2

Turn one greenhouse has into a less potent one (less global warming potential)