Ambient Air
Human Effects from Ambient Air Pollution
-Respiratory system -Immune system allergies -skin and mucosal tissues -sensory effects -CNS -cardiovascular system -carcinogenic effects
Why is using solid fuels bad for an energy source?
-creates lots of pollutants (particulates, CO, NOx) -concentrated in small homes
what is the typical size of a small particle in a biomass fuel-using home?
1000+ ug/m3 the european standard is 50 ug/m3
How many people rely on solid fuels for their basic energy needs?
3 billion
The atmosphere is composed of...
78.1% Nitrogen 20.9% Oxygen 1% Other substances (from pollution)
Gases or Vapors
CO Sulfur Compounds Nitrogen Compounds Ozone Organics (formaldehyde, volatiles) CO2 Odors Halogens
Can something that isn't man-made be considered an air pollutant?
Yes, it can be natural or anthropogenic
Photochemical or Oxidizing Smog
NOx and hydrocarbons (VOC: volatile organic chemicals) = ozone precursors + sunlight -in the atmosphere chemical reactions result in 03
Sources of Air Pollution
Photochemical smog --pollutant sources (emissions) combined with atmospheric chemical reactions and a temperature inversion Acid Rain --pollutant sources (emissions) combined with atmospheric chemical reactions and precipitation --sulfuric and nitric acids from dissolution of nitrogenous and sulfurous acids. Makes natural waters acidic
types of air pollution
Sulfur Dioxide Particulate matter Carbon monoxide Ozone Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx) Lead Hydrocarbons
what is acid smog?
Sulfur dioxide and particulates -found in Donora, Pennsylvania and London -caused by coal burning and industry urbanization
Air Pollution
presence in the air of one or more contaminants or combinations thereof in such quantities and of such durations as may be or tend to be injurious to human, animal, or plant life, or property or which makes living uncomfortable
