Air Pollution Flashcards
(60 cards)
Though it could only be concentrated
locally in a particular area, it is
considered a global health hazard
because it can easily spread into
Earth’s atmosphere.
Air Pollution
It occurs when large quantities of
harmful substances that include gases,
particles (both organic and inorganic),
and biological agents are introduced
to Earth’s atmosphere.
Air Pollution
Classification of
Pollutants
Primary pollutants and secondary pollutants
These are air pollutants that
are emitted directly from a
source.
• Carbon Monoxide
• Carbon Dioxide
• Sulfur Dioxide
• Nitrogen Oxides
Primary Pollutants
It forms when other
primary pollutants react in
the atmosphere.
• Sulfur Trioxide
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Nitric Acid
• Nitrates and Sulfates
Secondary Pollutants
Major Air Pollutants (4)
Particulate Matter
Ground-Level Ozone
Nitrogen Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide
Sulfur Dioxide
It can be made up of several components like nitrates, sulfates, soil
or dust particles, and allergens (mold
spores, pollen, etc.).
Particulate Matter
It describes an extremely small solid
and liquid particles suspended in the
air.
Particulate Matter
Also known as particle pollution and
is not a single pollutant, but rather a
mixture of many chemical species.
Particulate Matter
mainly comes from
motor vehicles, wood burning
heaters, and industry.
Particle pollution
small enough to
pass through the throat and nose and
enter the lungs.
PM10 (particles with a diameter of
10𝑭 or less)
can get deep into the
lungs and into the blood stream.
PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of
2.5 m or less)
when inhaled is due to
the free radicals which can cause
mutations that would lead to cancer
and other complications.
Ground-Level Ozone
It is the main component of smog and
is the product of the interaction
between sunlight and emissions from
sources such as motor vehicles and
industry.
Ground-Level Ozone
It is one of the gases that causes acid
rain when it reacts with water in the
atmosphere.
Nitrogen Dioxide
It contributes to the formation of
ground-level ozone as well as
particulate matter pollution.
Nitrogen Dioxide
It is a highly reactive gas which is
emitted by motor vehicles, industrial
processes, gas-heaters, and gas stove
tops.
Nitrogen Dioxide
When inhaled in large amounts, it
may cause carbon monoxide
poisoning and death.
Carbon Monoxide
generated by
motor vehicles, industrial sources,
bushfires, gas stoves, and cigarette
smoke.
Carbon Monoxide
It is an odorless and colorless gas that
forms from incomplete combustion
of carbon in fuels.
Carbon Monoxide
Like nitrogen dioxide, it also
produces sulfuric acid when mixed
with water, causing acid rain if it
persists in the atmosphere.
Sulfur Dioxide
A highly reactive gas with pungent
smell, emitted from
fossil fuel combustion by
powerplants and other industrial
facilities.
Sulfur Dioxide
Ozone is around _____, about _____
of the ozone in the atmosphere is
found in this “ozone layer”
2-8 ppm, 90%
It is found ____ up (the lower
________).
20-40 km, stratosphere
