Key Terms & Pollutants
These oxides contribute to the formation of photochemical smog and acid rain?
Nitrogen Oxides
Coal combustion releases these air pollutants, which include toxic metals and particulates (list three)
CO, CO2, SO2, particulate matter
A technology that converts pollutants in car exhaust gases into less harmful substances
Catalytic converter
This naturally occuring radioactive gas is a significant indoor air pollutant that can lead to lung cancer
radon
This environmental phenomenon occurs when the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere is inverted, trapping pollution close to the ground
Thermal inversion
Defined as a pollutant that does not emit directly from a source but forms when other pollutants react in the atmosphere
Secondary air pollutant
This type of smog is created by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere
photochemical smog
Reducing emissions of this pollutant has led tp a 99% decrease due to its elimination from gasoline
A type of indoor air pollutant known for causing mesothelioma and other respiratory problems, often found in old insulation
asbestos
In a city, these areas tend to have higher levels of ozone due to the concentration of vehicle emissions and industrial activities (list two)
major highways, roads, freeways, airports, or ports
Identified as a primary air pollutant, this colorless, odorless gas is highly toxic and is a product of incomplete combustion
Carbon monoxide
The primary pollutant that, when mixed with other gases, forms a secondary pollutant responsible for acid rain
Sulfur oxides (SOx)
This air pollution control device removes particulates from industrial exhaust streams
wet and dry scrubbers
Classified as an asphyxiant, this indoor pollutant is a product of incomplete combustion
Carbon monoxide (CO)
One of the natural buffers that can neutralize the effects of acid rain on lakes and ponds
Limestone bedrock
This class of air pollutants includes natural and synthetic organic compounds that can vaporize into the air easily.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
This legislation has played a key role in reducing air pollution by establishing federal standards for pollutants
Clean Air Act
This method involves capturing fumes during vehicle fueling to prevent them from escaping into the atmosphere, effectively reducing VOC emissions
Vapor recovery nozzle
The leading cause of death from indoor air pollution in developing countries
Indoor cooking fires (from biomass)
This environmental phenomenon, caused by NOx and SO2, leads to the acidification of soils and bodies of water, potentially damaging forests and aquatic life
This term refers to organic compounds that include only hydrogen and carbon, and can be a significant component of urban air pollution when burned
hydrocarbons
The primary source of tropospheric ozone, a secondary air pollutant that is a major component of urban smog (two items)
Nitrogen oxides and VOCs
Named for its function of removing particulate matter from exhausts, this device uses electrical charges to collect particles onto collector plates
Electrostatic precipitator
This device improves indoor air quality by removing contaminants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander from the air within a room
Air purifier
Unlike non-point source pollution, this identifiable and localized form of pollution can lead to concentrated environmental damage in specific areas
Point source pollution