Air Pollution Basics
What is air pollution?
Harmful solids or gases in the air
What is a primary pollutant?
A pollutant released directly into the air
What is acid rain?
Rain that contains acids from pollution
What is global warming?
Increase in Earth’s temperature
What does the ozone layer do?
Protects Earth from harmful UV radiation
What gas makes up most of Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
What is an example of a primary pollutant?
Carbon monoxide (or nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide)
What gases cause acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
What gas is most responsible for global warming?
Carbon dioxide
What damages the ozone layer?
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
When did air pollution become a serious problem?
The Industrial Revolution
What is a secondary pollutant?
A pollutant formed in the atmosphere
How does acid rain form?
Pollutants react with water vapor in the atmosphere
What do greenhouse gases do?
They trap heat in the atmosphere
What type of radiation increases with ozone depletion?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Who made the first anti-pollution law?
King Edward I
What is an example of a secondary pollutant?
Smog or acid rain
What is one effect of acid rain?
Damage to plants or forests
What is one effect of global warming?
Rising sea levels or changing weather patterns
What is one effect of ozone depletion on humans?
Skin cancer or cataracts
What caused air pollution to increase in the 1900s?
Development of transportation and fossil fuel use
What are particulates?
Tiny solid or liquid particles in the air
What is one way to reduce acid rain?
Use cleaner energy or burn low-sulfur fuels
What is one way to reduce global warming?
Reduce fossil fuel use or use renewable energy
What is one solution to protect the ozone layer?
Stop using products with CFCs