Unit 7 - Atmospheric Pollution Flashcards
What is thermal inversion?
The process of atmospheric temperature patters inverting so warmer, higher pressure air is trapped lower to the ground (smog)
What is photochemical smog and how is it created?
Formed when Nitrogen Oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) react to sunlight
Creates a brown haze above cities
Acid rain
What is a primary pollutant?
Compounds that come directly from the source
What is a secondary pollutant?
Compounds that are formed when the primary pollutants react again
Secondary pollutants are often worse for the environment
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Sources and Impact
- Complete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass
- Clearing of trees and land
- Greenhouse gases
- Thermal inversion
Carbon Monoxide (CO): Sources and Impact
- Incomplete combustion
- malfunctioning exhaust systems
- burning fuels: charcoal, kerosene, gas, wood, propane
-CO poisoning
- Impacts oxygen transport in bloodstream
- flu-like symptoms
- death
Ozone (O3): Sources and Impact
- Secondary pollutant
- formed by sunlight, water, oxygen, VOCs, and NOx
- respiratory irritant
- degrades plant surfaces
- damages rubbers and plastics
- contributes to photochemical smog
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Sources and Impact
- combustion of fuels containing sulfur (coal, oil, gasoline)
- volcanic eruptions
- forest fires
- respiratory irritant
- harms plant tissue
- converts into sulfuric acid in the atmosphere (causes acid rain)
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx): Sources and Impact
- all combustion (wood and biomass included)
- lightning
- microbial activity in soil
- improperly vented furnaces, water, heaters, and clothes driers
- respiratory irritant
- precursor for ozone leading to PC Smog
- converts into nitric acid (causing acid rain)
- contributes to overfertilization
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Sources and Impact
- vapors of fuels, solvents, and paints
- improper combustion of gasoline
- conifer trees
- precursor to ozone formation
- contributor to PC Smog
Lead (Pb): Sources and Impact
- gasoline additive between 1975-1996
- old paint
- trace amounts in rocks and soil
- lead poisoning
- impairs nervous system
- can impair learning and concentration
Mercury (Hg): Sources and Impact
- combustion of coal and oil
- impairs nervous system
- bioaccumulates in food chains
Particulate Matter (PM): Sources and Impact
- combustion of fossil fuels and biomass
- agriculture, road construction, and other activities that mobilize soil, soot, and dust
- volcanic eruptions
- pets, mold, fireplaces, cigarettes, candles
- respiratory irritant
- premature deaths
- reduces visibility
- heart and lung diease
Radon (Rn): Sources and Impact
- naturally occurring
- radioactive gas
- released from rocks, soil, and water
- comes from the ground into houses
- increased risk of lung cancer
