APES unit 7
A group of minerals, and their extended exposure may cause a myriad of lung disorders if inhaled, like asbestosis and lung cancer, and is caused by asbestos fibers being disturbed and going airborne.
What are asbestos and what are its health effects?
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Cardon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Particulate Matter, Lead
What are the 6 criteria pollutants?
-The primary cause of indoor air pollution is the release of chemicals or gases inside that affects the air quality negatively indoors. The most common sources of this are carbon monoxide, radon, nitrogen dioxide, second hand smoke, lead particles, asbestos, and mold. -Indoor air pollution can also be caused by improper ventilation which may allow pollutants to enter the building because not enough fresh air to dilute emissions from indoor pollutant sources.
What causes indoor air pollution?
Indoor air pollution refers to the biological, chemical, or physical contamination of indoor air, leading to adverse health effects for humans, animals, and plants that may reside indoors.
What is indoor air pollution?
PM10 is made up of particles less than 10μm in diameter Present everywhere but high concentrations and/or specific types dangerous Much particulate matter easily visible as smoke, soot, or dust Includes airborne asbestos and heavy metals Very fine pollutants - greatest concern PM 2.5 - less than 2.5 μm in diameter Easily inhaled into the lungs, then absorbed into the bloodstream Ultrafine particles- <0.18 μm released by automobiles Often referred to as Total Suspended Particles (TSPs) Tend to be highest in large cities in developing countries
What is particulate matter?
An international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. Outlined a plan for the eventual reduction of global emissions of CFCs to 50% of 1986 emissions Elimination of the production of CFCs by 1999 Assessment of the protocol suggest that CFCs will return to pre-1980 levels by 2050
What is the Montreal Protocol?
When microscopic fragments of lead become mixed in with water particles in the air, becoming airborne. It was widely used in house paint before 1978, and can enter through opening windows to the indoors.
how can lead particles enter homes
Cleaner coal technology available Makes fuel more expensive Switch to low-sulfur coal Transportation is an issue Washing it to remove sulfur Iron sulfide settles out Ineffective for removing organic sulfur Coal gasification Converts coal to gas in order to remove sulfur Gas obtained is clean Emissions from power plants can be reduced by removing the oxides from the gases in the stack - Scrubbing Flue gas desulfurization Occurs after coal is burned Gases treated with slurry of lime or limestone Reacts to form calcium sulfite Can be process into building materials
how can sulfur dioxide pollution be reduced
Maintain, create, and protect forested areas and habitats containing vegetative life Implement regulations on industries and waste management Explore solar, hydroelectric, and wind energy sources Domestic solutions and Individual Action
how can we prevent outdoor air pollution
Even though asbestos were banned in 1971 it still can be contained in old floor tiles, ceilings, roof shingles, sliding, insulation, and pipe cement.
how do asbestos enter homes
One way in which air pollution develops is through several household products that contain chemicals and toxicants. The pollution originates in household products such as pesticides, firewood, or cigarettes. Once used for the products desired purposes fumes from the products can enter the air and spread around the home.
how does indoor air pollution develop
Mold develops when tiny spores find a damp, dark spot in your home, and start to grow a colony from there.
how does mold form
Buildings Air pollution can cause erosion in buildings and monuments
how does outdoor air pollution effect buildings
Pollutants enter atmosphere causing: Global warming → melting of polar ice caps and warmer temperatures than usual disrupting climate/habitat of organisms Increase of storms, tornados, floods, droughts etc.
how does outdoor air pollution effect the atmosphere
The air pressure of your house is typically lower in levels than the soil around your home's foundation, the indoors act like a vacuum to radon which is drawn through cracks in the foundation, leading to radon accumulation in the home
how does radon accumulate in homes
Air cleaners: an effective air cleaner collects as much pollutants as possible and how much air is cleaned through the filter.
what are air cleaners for prevention of indoor air pollution
Caused by anthropogenic sources (primary): Combustion of fossil fuels (buses, cars, trains, etc.) CO2 emission from factories (particles from emissions) Smoking Aerosols release chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), creating holes in ozone layer
what are anthropogenic causes of outdoor air pollution
chemicals or gases such as carbon monoxide, radon, nitrogen dioxide, second hand smoke, lead particles, asbestos, and mold.
what are common sources that affect air quality negatively
Caused by natural sources (secondary): Smoke from wildfires Volcano eruptions
what are natural causes of outdoor air pollution
Polar Stratospheric Clouds Form during the polar winter (polar night) Air circulates about the pole in Antarctic polar vortex. Forms as the isolated air mass cools, condenses, and descends. Type I polar stratospheric clouds When air mass reach a temp between 195 K and 190 K, small sulfuric acid particles are frozen and serve as seed particles for nitric acid (HNO3). Type II polar stratospheric clouds If temperatures drop below 190 K water vapor condenses around Type I cloud particles -During the formation nearly all nitrogen oxides held in clouds Facilitates ozone depleting reactions When spring comes and sun returns it breaks apart Cl2 Chlorine can not be sequestered to form chlorine nitrate, one of its carbon sinks.
what are polar stratospheric clouds
A main solution that can be implemented to reduce this pollution is regulating the emissions of motor vehicles, industrial and commercial processes, and products that contain VOC.
what are solutions for reducing VOCs
Solutions: To personally monitor that you don't have a Carbon Monoxide leak or exposure to it, you can always keep an eye on your gas reliant appliances, use the right fuel in kerosene reliant space heaters and check for proper ventilation.
what are solutions to reduce carbon monoxide
second hand smoke, mold, pesticides, lead particles, asbestos, carbon monoxide, radon and nitrogen dioxide
what are sources of indoor air pollution
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Do not contain chlorine Fluorine atoms participate in reactions similar to those of chlorine - 1,000 times less efficient in those reactions Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Contain an atom of hydrogen in place of one chlorine atom Can be broken down in the lower atmosphere Still causes ozone depletion if they do reach the stratosphere before being broken down
what are substitutes for CFCs
1. Stationary sources - those that have a relatively fixed location Point sources emit pollutants from controllable sites Fugitive sources generate air pollutants from open areas exposed to wind processes Area sources well defined areas within which are several sources of air pollutants 2.Mobile source - move from place to place while emitting pollutants Automobiles, trucks, buses, aircraft, ships, and trains.
what are the 2 categories of air pollution in the lower atmosphere
1. Source Control, 2. Improved Ventilation, 3. Air cleaners.
what are the 3 basic strategies for prevention of indoor air pollution
Aquatic LIfe Air pollution results in acid rain harmful to organisms and their habitats increases water's acidity and amount of aluminum in water → leads to respiratory problems in aquatic life
what are the aquatic effects of outdoor air pollution
CFCs are inert, stable compounds that are used in many everyday appliances air-conditioning, refrigeration, blowing agents in foams, insulations and packing materials, propellants in aerosol cans, and as solvents. A single CFC molecule can absorb hundreds to thousands of times more infrared radiation than carbon dioxide, which is detrimental to global warming CFCs are highly stable, they stay in the atmosphere for long periods of times (years to centuries)
what are the causes of CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
The burning of fossil fuels, especially coming from agricultural fields. In addition, in highly urbanized cities that have a lot of transportation, an excessive amount of NMHC is produced.
what are the causes of NMHC (Nonmethane hydrocarbons)
Some particles are emitted directly from the source and form into the atmosphere as a result of complex chemical reactions. Some examples are pollutants from power plants, cars, construction sites, industry, and fires.
what are the causes of SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter)
Personal care products stored fuel, automotive products cleansers, disinfectants air fresheners paints aerosol sprays Burning fuels such as gas, wood, etc.
what are the causes of VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
The greatest causes of CO air pollution are cars, trucks, and other machinery that burns fossil fuels. Unvented kerosene, gas and space heaters, leaky chimneys and furnaces, and gas stoves are other causes of pollution of CO.
what are the causes of carbon monoxide
ore and metal processing piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded aviation fuel waste incinerators Utilities lead-acid battery manufacturers
what are the causes of led
Mercury occurs naturally in the earth's crust but human activities, such as mining and burning of fossil fuels(coal) led to a widespread of global mercury pollution. Mercury can travel a long distances in the atmosphere before its being deposited on the land surface.
what are the causes of mercury
Nearly all NO2 is emitted from anthropogenic sources Two main sources Automobiles Power plants that burn fossil fuels
what are the causes of nitrogen oxides
Ozone (Ambient Air): Pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, and other sources react in the presence of sunlight. gm
what are the causes of ozone (ambient air)
Ozone (Stratosphere): Naturally occurring: oxygen molecules in the stratosphere absorb UV rays and are broken apart, some of them recombining to form O3.
what are the causes of ozone (stratosphere)
90% comes from natural resources 10% comes from mainly fire, automobiles, and other sources of incomplete burning of organic compounds
what are the causes of sulfur dioxides
NMHC can lead to air pollution, increase the greenhouse effect, and cause nervous system damage in humans as well as damage humans' eyesight, lungs, and cause other respiratory problems.
what are the concerns of NMHC
Exposure can lead to: Heart problems (Irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks) Death for people with heart or lung disease Coughing or difficulty breathing Affecting water quality (acid rain) depleting nutrients in soil and river basins Damaging forests and crops Decreasing biodiversity
what are the concerns of SPM
When under sunlight, VOCs react with nitrogen oxides (from vehicles, power plants, other industrial activities) and form ozone. This ozone causes the formation of fine particulates, and with these and other gaseous pollutants, smog builds as a result. This smog is damaging in that it reduces visibility in the area that it pollutes.
what are the concerns of VOCs
Breathing Ozone Ambient Air can give people several respiratory problems Coughing Chest Pain Throat Irritation Airway Inflammation Ozone Ambient Air can enhance the effects of the following Bronchitis Emphysema Asthma Increased medical care Breathing Ozone Ambient Air can cause overall lung damage. Eventually making you more susceptible to infections regarding the lungs. And an increased death from heart of lung disease becomes likely. It may even possibly give you cancer.
what are the concerns of ozone ambient air
Since stratospheric ozone absorbs sunlight radiation, which typically includes absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays, it increases health concerns Risk for skin cancer Eye cataracts Triggers underlying health problems for all ages damage to genetic and immune systems The gradual depletion of our ozone exposes us more to the harmful radiations from the sun and increases our chances of health problems in the future
what are the concerns of ozone stratosphere
CFCs are bad for the Environment bc: There is an increased chance of skin cancer and cataracts immune system system damage are caused damage to terrestrial and aquatic plant life increased formation of ground-level ozone (smog) CFCs escape into the stratosphere and destroy the ozone layer Without that ozone as a shield, damaging ultraviolet light will reach the earth. Therefore it will kill oceanic life, sicken green plants, and cause human skin cancer and blindness.
what are the concerns with CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas which needs to be in delicate balance. If there is too much, it can trap lots of heat inside the earth. It can also trap radiation at ground level creating ozone at a ground level, which is poisonous to human health. It can also prevent the Earth from cooling down at night and also renders the ocean unable to absorb carbon dioxide. This means that more carbon dioxide is in the air and the effects of the CO are compounded. Other commonly known factors include acid rain and global warming.
what are the concerns with CO2
If lead gets into you body, it can cause issues in kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems, the cardiovascular and nervous system Most often has neurological effects in children (learning defects, lower IQ) If leaked into the environment, there is decreased growth and neurological effects in animals
what are the concerns with led
Toxic Effects: The toxic effects of mercury depend on its chemical form: Methylmercury is the most toxic form Grossly polluted environments where mercury has accumulated through industrial & mining activities Contaminated the aquatic food chain People are exposed to methylmercury by eating contaminated fish & wildlife that are at the top of the aquatic food chain (causes harmful effects on people's immune system, genetic, and nervous system)
what are the concerns with mercury
Long term exposure for humans can cause chronic lung disease Major contributor to smog and acid rain Can be harmful to vegetation, and can damage foliage Can contribute to acid rain No2 is even more dangerous to the climate then carbon dioxide, because it can trap 300 times more heat in the atmosphere
what are the concerns with nitrogen oxides
Hazardous to people with heart disease, anemia, or respiratory disease Can cause birth defects in aspects of fetal growth Dizziness and headaches to death
what are the concerns with sulfur dioxides
Block sunlight and may cause climate change Global dimming Gradual reduction in the solar energy that reaches the surface of Earth Cools the atmosphere Lessens global warming
what are the environmental impacts of particulate matter
in high doses, it can kill you but more often causes headaches, dizziness, and weakness form poor use of oxygen.
what are the health effects of carbon monoxide
Lead causes neurological conditions like lowered IQ, behavioral problems, mental disorders, nervous system disorders, and can damage red blood cells.
what are the health effects of lead
Mold can trigger inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, cause severe reactions, migraines, dizziness, coughing, skin issues, and shortness of breath.
what are the health effects of mold
A toxic and corrosive gas that causes chronic bronchitis, pulmonary edema, and lung injury, released from combustion of a fire. It gets into the home if heaters and stoves are not properly ventilated.
what are the health effects of nitrogen dioxide and how does it enter homes
chemicals from the fertilizer can enter the air and be breathed in by humans, causing neurological disorders and cancer.
what are the health effects of pesticides
It is also a colorless, odorless gas that is naturally found everywhere, but high enough levels can put you at a heightened risk of lung cancer.
what are the health effects of radon
AQI = 100 Air is unhealthy AQI greater than 200 Air pollution alert is issued AQI exceeds 300 Air pollution warning is issued - hazardous to all people. AQI exceeds 400 Air pollution emergency is declared, and people are requested to remain indoors and minimize physical exertion
what are the number for AQI (air quality index) that indicate pollution
In order to decrease the damage of CFCs on our ozone layer, we need to find ways to reduce our uses of it and find alternatives. Buy air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment that do not use HCFCs as refrigerant. Buy aerosol products that do not use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants. Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage.
what are the solution to decrease CFCs
Since NMHC is produced both anthropogenically and naturally, the solution would be to reduce the human use of this compound. Possible solutions include slowing vehicle emissions by using public transport, carpooling, or biking, reducing coal use, and reducing usage of harsh chemicals in common household products like paints, coating, and varnishes.
what are the solutions for NMHC
Ozone (Ambient Air) -cutting vehicle emissions of ozone -changes to gasoline formula -enhanced vehicle inspection programs -strict no x emission policies for industrial combustion sources and power plants
what are the solutions for ozone ambient air
Ozone (Stratosphere) -use air conditioning and refrigeration that doesn't have HCFCs as refrigerant -minimize refrigerant leakage -not using aerosol products that use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants
what are the solutions for ozone stratosphere
Sulfur dioxide is released from coal-burning power plants, using coal that contains less sulfur would be ideal when cutting back on sulfur dioxide emissions. Also, power plants can change the way they burn coal.
what are the solutions for reducing sulfur dioxides
SPM is produced and spread through the atmosphere via smoke and vehicle emissions. And so habits such as limiting wood stoves, taking steps to reduce wildfires, and increasing overall fuel efficiency - carpool, doing proper maintenance on cars, converting to hybrid - are the key to stopping the spread.
what are the solutions of SPM
As a parent, you can encourage your child to eat more healthy fresh foods and maintain a healthy exercise routine Limit your exposure to gasoline, paint, plumbing pipes, ceramics, batteries, and certain cosmetics. Take extra safety precautions when handling lead and take note how and when you are exposed to it.
what are the solutions to reduce led
Solutions: Buy mercury-free products (such as mercury-free thermometers) Minnesota laws: include guidance about proper disposal & efforts to reduce mercury contamination Minnesota Auto Mercury Switch Recovery Program: helped established, promote, and evaluate a two-year program to collect and recycle vehicle mercury switches in Minnesota
what are the solutions to reduce mercury accumulation
Because cars release excessive amounts of nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere, carpooling, using public transportation, biking, walking, and/or just cutting back on driving in general can reduce nitrogen oxide rates.
what are the solutions to reduce nitrogen oxide
Ultraviolet A (UVA) Longest wavelength Least energy of the three types of ultraviolet radiation UVA can cause some damage to living cells Not affected by stratospheric ozone, and is transmitted to the Earth's surface
what does ultraviolet A do
Ultraviolet B (UVB) Energetic and strongly absorbed by stratospheric ozone Ozone is the only known gas that absorbs UVB Depletion of ozone in the stratosphere results in an increase in the UVB that reaches the surface of the Earth
what does ultraviolet B do
Ultraviolet C (UVC) Shortest wavelength and most energetic of the types of ultraviolet radiation Sufficient energy to break apart diatomic oxygen (O2) Each of these oxygen atoms may combine with an O2 molecule to create ozone UVC strongly absorbed in the stratosphere, and negligible amounts reach the Earth's surface
what does ultraviolet C do
It is emitted by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and gets in the home by poor fireplace ventilation, gas and wood burning home items, and furnace systems.
what emmits carbon monoxide
Outdoor air pollution comes from emissions caused by combustion processes from motor vehicles, solid fuel burning ,and industry, that worsen the air quality.
what is outdoor air pollution
Source Control: most effective; elimination of the source of the pollution and/or reduce emission. (sealing anything that contains asbestos)
what is source control for indoor air pollution
A chimney effect (or stack effect) Occurs when there is a temperature differential between the indoor and outdoor environments Warmer air rises in the building to the upper levels, it is replaced in the lower portion of the building by outdoor air Secondhand smoke, may also be drawn into a building by the chimney effect.
what is the chimney effect
carbon monoxide
what is the most common type of indoor air pollution
Primary Sources: include fossil fuels by industrial plants and vehicles.
what is the primary source for outdoor air pollution
Secondary Sources: include smoke from bushfires or windblown dust.
what is the secondary source for outdoor air pollution
Ventilation Improvements: Increasing the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. (opening windows, attic fans, doors) Opening these while doing short-term activities(painting, cooking, heating) that release high amounts of pollutants is crucial
what is ventilation improvement for indoor air pollution