B18.3 Air pollution Flashcards
How is sulfur dioxide frequently produced?
Fossil fuels contain sulfur impurities
Which can react with oxygen when they burn to form sulfer dioxide
What are the problems of sulfur dioxide?
Can cause serious breathing problems
Acidic sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides also dissolve in rainwater and react with oxygen in the air to form dilute sulfuric acid - which produces acid rain
What is the PH of acid rain?
Around 4.0
What are some effects of acid rain?
It can destroy roots in the soil
As acid rain falls into lakes and rivers - they become slightly acidic
If concentration gets too high plants and animals can no longer survive
Where are the worst effects of acid rain found?
The sulfur dioxide are carried high in the air in by the winds
Other countries surrounding the areas will be affected
How can the product of sulfur dioxide be produced?
Catalytic converters are fitted to remove polluting gases from the exhaust fumes and strict emission levels are suit
What are particulates?
Small tiny solid particles
What are the problems of particulates?
These particles reflect sunlight so less light hits the surface of the earth
This can cause dimming reducing temperatures at the surface of the earth
What are the problems of smoke pollution?
Can damage lungs and the cardiovascular system
What is smog?
Both smoke and chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides also add to another form of air pollution
