12.3. Air Pollution Flashcards
(17 cards)
Big Fives of Air Pollution
1) Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
2) Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
3) Ozone (O3)
4) Particulates Pm10
5) Particulates Pm2.5
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sources
- Mostly take the forms of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
- Released as part of the combustion of fossil fuels
- This occurs in vehicles (estimated 42% in London) and in power generation, as well as (to a minor extent) domestic gas burning.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Sources
- Released as a waste product from the combustion of coal and oil
- A major source comes from coal fired power plants
- No longer permitted to be used in petrol and diesel for cars but still found in marine fuels
Ozone (O3) Sources
- Formed when nitrous oxides and
organic compounds react in sunlight
Particulates Pm10 Sources
- Can include carbon, sulphate, nitrate and metallic particles
- Created by mechanical processes such as mining and
demolishing on building sites, as well as wear and tear on roads - Released as waste from the combustion of coal
- Diesel vehicle exhausts are a major source
Particulates Pm2.5 Sources
- Mostly made up of carbon particles
- Released as a waste product of the combustion process, with most of the pollutant coming from road transport emissions
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Health Impacts
- Decreased lung function
- Increased susceptibility to allergens
- Induce asthma attacks in vulnerable people
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Health Impacts
- Irritates and narrows the lining of airways, reducing the flow of air to the lungs
- Asthma suffers are more prone to an attack
- In high concentrations, can sting and irritate eyes
Ozone (O3) Health Impacts
- Long term exposure increases chances of mortality from respiratory conditions and diseases
- Increases mortality rates amongst those with pulmonary diseases, and diabetes
- Increases the incidence and severity of asthma
- Reduces lung growth in children
- Reduces cognitive development and increases
chances of premature births
Particulates Pm10 Health Impacts
- Some links to cardiovascular diseases
- Short term exposure can lead to poor breathing and respiratory difficulties
Particulates Pm2.5 Health Impacts
- Blocks gaseous exchange to the blood stream deep inside the lungs
- Strong correlation between high exposures and heart attacks and strokes
- Reduced lung development in children
- Increased development of respiratory diseases such as asthma
- Some links to the prevalence of cancers
- Some links to higher infant mortalities and lower birth weights
Point source pollution
Occurs when the pollutant is issued at one point.
Non-point source pollution
Emanates from an entire area.
Incidental pollution
A one-off event that releases a pollutant.
Sustained pollution
Is long term pollution caused by human activity.
Relationship between Air Quality and Development
- Closely linked
- Growing middle class → More cars → More air pollution
- Even more development → Better cars that release less pollution → less air pollution
- Air quality is dependent on a nation’s level of development but
- AQ also influences development level, for example in geopolitical spheres
Air Quality in LICs, MICs, HICs
1) LICS - Low industrialisation and agriculture is dominant, so not much pollution
2) MICS - Manufacturing (secondary) industries - releases most pollution - limited legislation to reduce pollution (corruption and bribery)
- In MICs, there is the largest use of energy which is derived from fossil fuels, adding to pollution
- Waste products of industry (outputs) like waste water also create pollution
3) HICS - Citizens demand cleaner air and water
- Business change their business practices to not damage the environment
- More services instead of industry
- Deindustrialisation and regulation of pollution.
- Investment in new and “green” technology
