Don't ya know that you're toxic!
This indoor air pollutant is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the nuclear decay of uranium. Name the pollutant and its source.
What is radon; it exists in granitic and other rocks.
Ozone formation peaks during this time of day.
What is the afternoon?
In the afternoon, sunlight is the strongest.
This charged atmospheric phenomena creates NOx
What are lightning strike?
Catalytic converters cause pollutants like NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon to turn into these. List three.
What are non -pollutant gases like CO2, N2, and H2O?
The formula for percent change.
What is: % change: (final value - initial value)/ initial value
This greenhouse gas is steadily increasing due to the use of fossil fuels. However, according to the Clean Air Act, it is NOT classified as an air pollutant. What is it and provide one reason why it is not considered an air pollutant.
What is carbon dioxide?
It is not an air pollutant because:
1. it is not toxic to organisms to breath
2. not damaging to the lungs/eyes
3. does not lead to smog
These compounds combine with NO to form photochemical oxidants
What are VOCs?
Name 2 sources of air pollutants released by volcanic eruptions.
+100 BONUS: Name all of them.
What is SO2, PM, CO, NOx?
This natural base can neutralize acidic soil/ water. Give the scientific name and geologic name.
What is Calcium Carbonate/ Limestone/ Lime?
Name this highly toxic indoor air pollutant formally found in the insulation of homes. Indicate the health risk and why is a risk.
What is asbestos. Lung cancer because their fibers are very small and can easily be inhaled.
Defined as pollutants that are directly emitted into the atmosphere. Give 3 examples.
What are primary pollutants.
Examples of primary pollutants: CO, SO2, NOx, VOCs, Most hydrocarbons, Most PM
Ozone can form in this atmospheric layer after this compound is broken down by light.
+100 BONUS: Explain the formation process!
What is troposphere; NO2?
+100 BONUS: In the presence of sunlight: NO2 --> NO + O ; O (free O) + O2 (atmospheric oxygen) --> O3 (ozone)
Two part question: CO, PM, and NOx can be emitted as a result of these natural events that are ever-increasing in the world. What greenhouse gases are released?
What are forest fires? Greenhouse gases: CO2 and H2O
This method of reducing PM involves charged particles.
What is an electrostatic precipitator?
This is what the acronym in CAFE Vehicle Standards stands for and what does this law do?
What is Corporate Average Fuel Economy; requires vehicle manufactures to produce more efficient vehicles that release less air pollutants.
Defined as a pollutant that has undergone transformation in the presence of specific factors. Provide the vocab word and give examples of 3 specific factors that are involved in the conversion process.
+100 BONUS: Name 3 examples
What are secondary pollutants?
Secondary pollutants are primary pollutants that have undergone transformation in the presence of sunlight, water, oxygen, or other compounds.
+100 BONUS: Secondary pollutants include O3 (ozone), H2SO4 (sulfuric acid, HNO3 (nitric acid), SO42- (sulfates), NO3- (nitrates)
+100 BONUS: List 2 geographic factors that can increase the likelihood of a thermal inversion forming.
Factors: 1. warm from moving in; 2. location in a valley; 3. urban areas giving off a lot of infrared radiation
These are a living source of VOCs. Give a specific example.
What are plants? (Specific examples: terpenes & ethylene from pine, fir or spruce trees)
This is the acronym for the system or equipment used to control the air quality in homes or building spaces.
+100 Bonus: What does the acronym stand for?
What is HVAC System?
+100: (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
List three indoor air pollutants and their specific health risks.
CO - asphyxiation
Lead - Neurological disorders
Radon - Lung cancer
Asbestos - Lung cancer
VOC - Irritate eyes, lungs, bronchioles
Dust & Mold - asthma, bronchitis, COPD, emphysema
Name the 6 criteria air pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act and one human-derived source for each pollutant!
You got this!
SO2 - Combustion of fuels that contain sulfur (coal, oil, gasoline)
NOx - All combustion (FF, wood, biomass)
CO - Incomplete combustion, poorly ventilated cooking fires, faulty exhaust systems
PM - FF/biomass combustion; agriculture; construction; etc.
O3 - Photochemical oxidation of NO2
Pb - Metal plants; waste incineration; Old paint; Gasoline additive (phased out)
Normally at night O3 interacts with NO to again form NO2 and O2. Describe the process that can prevent this from occurring.
When VOCs instead bind to the NO, it is unavailable to react with the O3, resulting in higher ozone levels at night and ultimately photochemical smog formation.
Two part question: Decomposition of organic matter by these organisms release carbon-based compounds into the atmosphere. What are the two types of decomposition and what do they each release?
What are Bacteria / decomposers?
Aerobic decomposition- releases CO2; anaerobic decompoisiton releases CH4
This contains toxic levels of several pollutants including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
What is coal ash?
1. Animal communication
2. Migration
3. Damage hearing
4. Prevent hearing (i.e prey/predator)
5. Physiological stress