Introduction to Air Pollution (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define air pollution.
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Define air pollution.
Air pollution is the introduction of harmful substances, such as gases and particulates, into indoor and outdoor air that can negatively affect people's health, the environment, and climate.
In what units are air pollutants measured?
Air pollutants are measured in parts per million (ppm).
Define primary pollutant.
A primary pollutant is a pollutant that is emitted directly from a source, such as fossil fuel combustion.
True or False?
Tropospheric ozone (O₃) is a primary pollutant emitted directly from vehicle exhausts.
False.
Tropospheric ozone is a secondary pollutant. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) releases oxygen atoms in sunlight, and these react with oxygen molecules (O₂) to form ozone.
What is the difference between PM2.5 and PM10?
PM2.5 are fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, while PM10 are larger particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller.
Define volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
How does ammonia (NH₃) contribute to particulate matter pollution?
Ammonia is a primary pollutant that contributes to secondary particulate matter when it interacts with other atmospheric gases.
Why is carbon monoxide (CO) harmful to human health?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
What are the six criteria air pollutants?
The six criteria air pollutants are nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), ozone (O₃), and lead (Pb).
Criteria air pollutants were the first pollutants identified by the U.S. that required national guidelines.
Criteria air pollutants were the first pollutants identified by the U.S. EPA that required national guidelines.
Which heavy metals are released by burning coal?
Burning coal releases the heavy metals mercury and lead.
Sulfur dioxide from burning coal mixes with water vapor in the air to form acid, an important part of acid rain.
Sulfur dioxide from burning coal mixes with water vapor in the air to form sulfuric acid, an important part of acid rain.
How do nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels contribute to acid rain?
Nitrogen oxides are converted to nitric acid (HNO₃) in the atmosphere, which causes acid rain.
What are the main sources of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions?
Sulfur dioxide is mainly released by coal-burning power plants and factories, and also by activities such as metal mining.
True or False?
Sulfur dioxide harms the environment but has no direct effect on human health.
False.
Breathing in sulfur dioxide can damage the airways, worsen asthma, and cause coughing and breathing problems, especially in vulnerable people.
Which products have been sources of lead (Pb) pollution?
Lead pollution has come from products such as lead-based paint and leaded gasoline, as well as industrial processes like mining, smelting, and battery manufacturing.
How does inhaling lead harm young children?
Inhaled lead can damage a young child's brain, nervous system, and growth.
True or False?
The Clean Air Act has had little effect on lead levels in the US atmosphere.
False.
The EPA and the Clean Air Act regulate lead, particularly in fuels, which dramatically decreased the amount of lead in the atmosphere.
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