chapter 1 section 4 Air quality

How does acid rain form?

nitrogen oxides mix with sulfur oxides and rain Rain, sleet, snow, fog and even dry particles carry these 2 acids to trees and lakes.

Hydrocarbons are

organic molecules consisting of only carbon and hydrogen

Acid rain

rain that contains more acid than normal.

As fossil fuels are burned

some hydrocarbons do not burn completely and escape into the air producing a variety of pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.

Human activities

such as farming and construction, can send soil and dust into the air. But most air pollution is the result of burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil gasoline, and diesel fuel. Factories and power plants that burn coal and oil also release pollution.

human activities

things humans do that impact the environment

photochemical smog

A brownish haze that is a mixture of ozone and other chemicals such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, formed when pollutants react with each other in the presence of sunlight

photochemical smog

A brownish haze that is a mixture of ozone and other chemicals, formed when pollutants react with each other in the presence of sunlight

Pollutant

A material found in air, water, or soil that is harmful to humans or other organisms.

Ozone in the stratosphere

Acts as a shield and protects Earth from harmful UV rays

What can be done to improve air quality?

In the United States, the federal and state governments have passed a number of laws and regulations to reduce air pollution.

What are the major sources of air pollution?

Some air pollution occurs naturally. But many types of air pollution are the result of human activities.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The US federal agency with a mission to protect human health and the environment. Monitors air pollutants in the US. Air quality has generally improved over the past 30 years.

What causes smog and acid rain?

The burning of fossil fuels can cause smog and acid rain.

Soot

a black powder that is formed when something (such as wood or coal) is burned. Soot gives smoke its dark color.

smog

air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog

When fossil fuels are burned, they release

both particles and gases

natural sources

forest fires (smoke, ash, hydrocarbons, CO2), volcanoes (ash/acid), sea spray (sulfur), decaying vegetation (VOCs), bacterial metabolism (methane), dust, pollen, wind (SPM)

London-type smog

forms when particles in coal smoke combine with water droplets in humid air. Term created in 1905.

Almost _______ of our air pollution comes from gasoline burned by vehicles.

half

Ozone in the troposphere

harmful pollutant that can irritate eyes, throat and lungs and harm plants, living things and damage many materials.