module 6: air pollution Flashcards
any alteration of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the atmospheric air
Air Pollution
any matter found in the atmosphere other than oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and the inert gases
Air Pollutant
general amount of pollution present in a broad area
Ambient air quality
The air around us
Ambient Air
released directly from the source into the air in a harmful form
Primary Pollutants
converted to a hazardous form after they enter the air or are formed by chemical reactions as components of the air mix and interact
Secondary Pollutants
those that do not go through a smoke stack
Fugitive Emissions
Six Conventional or Criteria Pollutants
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen oxides
- Carbon monoxide
- Ozone
- Lead
- Particulate Matter
Colorless corrosive gas, directly damaging to both plants and animals
Sulfur Dioxide
Highly reactive gases formed when nitrogen in fuel or in air is heated
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Colorless, odorless, nonirritating, but highly toxic gas
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
toxic to our nervous systems and other critical functions
Lead
Includes solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in a gaseous medium
Particulate Matter
Very fine solid or liquid particulates suspended in the atmosphere
aerosols
Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers
PM2.5
Coarse inhalable particles
PM10
a soil fungus from Africa
Aspergillus sydowii
Other Pollutants
- Mercury
- Carbon dioxide
- Halogens
- Hazardous air pollutants(HAPs)
the most abundantly produced toxic metals
Mercury (Hg)
They are reactive nonmetallic elements that form strongly acidic compounds with hydrogen
Halogens
highly toxic substances that remain in ecosystems for extended periods and accumulate in human and animal tissues
Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
Any undesirable change in the physical characteristics or chemistry of the atmosphere, such as noise, odors, and light pollution
Aesthetic Degradation
a persistent inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles
Bronchitis
occur when a stable layer of warmer air lies above cooler air
Temperature Inversions
severe bronchitis, an irreversible chronic obstructive lung disease in which airways become permanently constricted and alveoli are damaged or even destroyed
Emphysema
The deposition of wet acidic solutions or dry acidic particles from the air
Acid Precipitation
General term for structure or installation controlling the quality of emissions of air pollution source equipment (APSE)
Air Pollution Control Facilities (APCF)
involves filtering air emissions
Particulate Removal
Sulfur oxides are important among the most damaging of all air pollutants in terms of human health and ecosystem viability.
Sulfur Removal
Mainly involve complete combustion or controlling evaporation.
Hydrocarbon Controls
involves using energy resources wisely and efficiently to decrease our overall consumption
Conserve Energy
Ways to Conserve Energy
Transportation Choices
Replacing old appliances with CFC sources
Plant trees and air-purifying plants
Advocate for Change
Choose Renewable Energy
Use Environmentally-Friendly Products
Fueling Practices
