Chapter 1
pollutant that is put directly into the air by human activity is
Primary Pollutant
buildings that have very poor air quality have a condition
Sick-Building Syndrome
number is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is
pH
A measure of how loud a sound is
Decibels
harmful substances that build up in the air to unhealthy levels
Air Pollution
when a primary pollutant comes into contact with other primary pollutants or with naturally occurring substances such as water vapor and a chemical reaction takes place
Secondary Pollutant
What are solutions to energy waste caused by light pollution?
Using low pressure sodium sources and shielding to guide light downward and timers to ensure that light is only utilized when necessary.
sudden influx of acidic water that causes a rapid change in the water’s pH
Acid Shock
What are the two main sources of air pollution in urban areas?
vehicles, industries
when air pollution hangs over urban areas and reduces visibility
Smog
What are the two major sources of air pollutants in the urban areas?
Motor vehicles and industry
What are some possible long-term effects of human health from air pollution?
A long term effect on human health from air pollution can be emphysema, lung cancer, and heart disease
What Causes Acid precipitation?
When fossil fuels are burned, they release oxides of sulfur and nitrogen and when the oxides combine with water in the atmosphere, they form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which fall as acid precipitation.
short-term effects of air pollution
headache, eye irritation, coughing, bronchitis
the air above is warmer than the air below
Temperature Inversion
Describe the process in which smog forms
Smog is formed when chemical reactions that involve sunlight, air, automobile exhaust, and ozone
What are some possible short-term effects of human health from air pollution?
A short term effect on human health can be headache, nausea, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, tightness in the chest, coughing, and upper respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
What are some ways that acid precipitation affects humans?
Acid precipitation can cause a drop in the pH of soil and water. This increase in the concentration of acid
An example of a natural indoor air pollutant
Carbon monoxide
several minerals that form in long, thin fibers and that are valued for their strength and resistance to heat
Asbestos
What are the 5 primary air pollutants?
Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur dioxide, Volatile organic compounds, Particulate matter
What is sick-building syndrome and where is it most common?
Sick building syndrome is when Buildings that have very poor air quality and are mostly common in hot places where buildings are tightly sealed to keep out the heat.
Describe how acid precipitation affects plants, soils, and aquatic ecosystems?
When water flows over and through the ground, and into lakes, rivers, and streams it affects the plants because those are the water sources that they use or Acid precipitation can cause a drop in the pH of soil and water. This increase in the concentration of acid
What is a cause of sick-building syndrome?
Fungi
intensity of sound measured in units
Decibel