earth layers
The layer of gases surrounding Earth
Atmosphere
Short-term atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation)
Weather
A radioactive gas that seeps from the ground into buildings and can cause lung cancer
Radon
Pollutants formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere
Secondary Pollutants
Smog from burning coal or industrial sources; contains soot, sulfur compounds, and particulates
Industrial Smog
The lowest layer of the atmosphere
Troposphere
A system where companies are given emission limits but can buy/sell allowances
Emissions Trading
A strong acid (HNO₃) formed when nitrogen oxides react with water in the atmosphere
Nitric Acid
Pollutants emitted directly into the air from a source
Primary Pollutants
Smog formed by sunlight reacting with nitrogen oxides and VOCs; common in cities.
Photochemical Smog
The atmospheric layer above the troposphere; contains the ozone layer
Stratosphere
Long-term patterns of temperature and weather in a region
Climate
A gas (SO₂) produced mainly from burning fossil fuels and volcanic activity
Sulfur Dioxide
Harmful pollutants found inside buildings (e.g., smoke, chemicals, mold)
Indoor Air Pollution
Carbon-based gases that easily evaporate and can form smog (e.g., from paints, fuels)
Volatile Organic Compounds
A region in the stratosphere with high ozone concentration that absorbs UV radiation
Ozone Layer
A situation where warm air traps cooler air beneath it, preventing pollutants from dispersing.
Temperature Inversion
A strong acid (H₂SO₄) formed when sulfur dioxide reacts with water in the air
Sulfuric Acid
Harmful substances in the air that negatively affect health or the environment
Air Pollution
The thinning of the ozone layer caused mainly by CFCs and other chemicals
Ozone Depletion
U.S. law regulating air pollution and setting limits on emissions
Clean Air Act
Toxic compounds formed in photochemical smog that irritate eyes and damage vegetation
Peroxyacyl Nitrates
Acidic pollutants falling as dry particles/gases or wet precipitation like acid rain.
Acid Deposition