Specific Pollutants
This pollutant was commonly emitted by automobiles until it was banned from being added to gasoline
Lead (Pb)
This activity which is common in rural areas is a source of particulate matter pollution
Agriculture
The United States relies primarily on this fossil fuel to generate electricity because it burns very cleanly
Natural Gas
This natural biologic process removes carbon compounds from the atmosphere
Photosynthesis
This type of pollution is known for interfering with animal communication
Noise Pollution
This pollutant is beneficial when it's in the stratosphere but harmful when it's in the troposphere
Ozone (O3)
When nitrogen oxides and this other air pollutant are present in the atmosphere, ozone can form
VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
This device filters out pollutants from your car engine's exhaust by using catalysts.
Catalytic converter
This natural source of pollution is common in grassland and shrubland biomes
Wildfire
To determine the effects of acid deposition on soil fertility, you would measure this abiotic factor
This pollutant is created during incomplete combustion and causes asphyxiation when high concentrations are inhaled
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
The largest source of atmospheric arsenic, mercury, and radioactive isotopes.
Coal-fired powerplants
Making sure cracks in your house's foundation are sealed is a good way to prevent exposure to this type of air pollutant.
Radon gas
This is the largest natural source of SO2 emissions
Volcanic eruptions
This type of pollutant, such as arsenic, damage the nervous system
Neurotoxin (heavy metal)
This pollutant is commonly emitted by coal-burning powerplants and contributes to acid rain
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Furniture and other construction materials can emit this air pollutant into your home over time
Formaldehyde
This device uses electrically charged plates to filter out particulates from powerplant emissions
Electrostatic precipitator
This natural weather phenomenon can cause air pollutants to accumulate in the atmosphere because it prevents the process of convection
Thermal Inversion
You can develop this condition because of exposure to asbestos
Lung cancer (mesothelioma)
This secondary pollutant forms when nitric oxide (NO) combines with VOC's in the atmosphere
This is the largest source of lead in the atmosphere today (after 1970)
Ore Smelting
This compound is used both in scrubbers and during combustion to reduce the amount of SO2 emitted by coal-fired power plants
Calcium carbonate (lime)
This gas can form both naturally and anthropogenically and is both a pollutant and a greenhouse gas
Ozone (O3)
This type of particulate matter is especially dangerous because it can penetrate deeply into your lungs
PM2.5