Urban air pollution Flashcards
How is particulate air pollution caused?
Release of particles and noxious gases into atmosphere
Emissions mostly caused by combustion of fossil fuels and dust/soot/gases produced by cars
In winter, how much does the concentration of pollutants increase and why?
Sixfold
Temperature inversions trap the pollutants over the city
What is smog?
Smoke particles from industrial plumes mixing with fog
Temperature inversion created during the day can trap air pollutants near Earth’s surface
What is photochemical smog and what issues does it cause?
Type of air pollution caused when particulates react with UV light from the sun
Stays at ground level due to temperature inversion
Cool air = trapped below warmer air, causes air to remain still, so smog is trapped
Respiratory disorders, e.g. asthma
Definition, cause and impact of carbon monoxide?
Colourless, odourless gas
Incomplete combustion of fuel (road transport responsible for almost 90% of CO emissions in UK)
Affects transport of oxygen in blood - can cause headaches, nausea, etc.
Can be deadly
Defintion, cause and impact of nitrogen dioxide?
Reacts with hydrocarbons in presence of sunlight to create ozone
Road transport contributes to almost 50% of total emissions of nitrogen oxides
Acid rain, inflammation of the lining of the lungs
Definition, cause and impact of particles/particulate matter?
Tiny bits of solid/liquids suspended in midair
Power stations and vehicle exhausts
Potential health issues
Definition, cause and impact of sulphur dioxide?
Colourless gas with strong odour
Coal and oil burning by industry like power stations
Short term exposure: coughing, tightening of chest
Corrosion of buildings, acid rain, damage to plants/lichen
Name-drop example: Mexico?
Via Verde project: greening the city
60 000 green areas in the city
Electric vehicles
Renewable sources of energy: wind turbines to charge electric cars
