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Air Pollution Types. Chapter 15 10.1. Atmosphere IS a Resource. Atmospheric Composition Nitrogen 78.08% Oxygen 20.95% Argon 0.93% Carbon dioxide 0.04 % Ecosystem services Blocks UV radiation Moderates the climate Redistributes water in the hydrologic cycle .
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Air Pollution Types Chapter 15 10.1
Atmosphere IS a Resource • Atmospheric Composition • Nitrogen 78.08% • Oxygen 20.95% • Argon 0.93% • Carbon dioxide 0.04% • Ecosystem services • Blocks UV radiation • Moderates the climate • Redistributes water in the hydrologic cycle
Types and Sources of Air Pollution • Air pollution- the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to harm plants, animals, and materials such as buildings, or to alter ecosystems. • Two categories • Primary Air Pollutant -v- Secondary Air Pollutant
EPA’s Six Criteria Pollutants • SO2 • NOx • COx (CO) • PM • O3 • Lead
Those Not On the List- But Still Important • CO2 • Hg • VOC’s
Air Pollution Around the World • Air quality is deteriorating rapidly in developing countries • Shenyang, China -Residents only see sunlight a few weeks each year • Developing countries have older cars • Still use leaded gasoline • 5 worst cities in world • Beijing, China; Mexico City, Mexico; Shanghai, China; Tehran, Iran; and Calcutta, India
Photochemical Oxidants • Oxides that are reactive compounds that remove electrons from other substances • Harmful to plant tissues • Human respiratory tissue • Construction materials
SMOG • Photochemical (LA Type) • Sulfurous (London Type)
Mexico City NYC New term: atmospheric brown cloud Sao Paulo
Lead • Gasoline • Paints • Brain Damage • Hg • Bioaccumulate • biomagnifies • VOC’s • HC, aromoatics • Lighter fluid • Dry cleaning fluid
Primary Pollutants • Primary pollutants- polluting compounds that come directly out of the smoke-stack, exhaust pipe, or natural emission source. • Examples: CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, and most suspended particulate matter.
Secondary Pollutants • Secondary pollutants- pollutants that have undergone transformation in the presence of sunlight, water, oxygen, or other compounds. • Examples: ozone, sulfate and nitrate
Natural Sources of Air Pollution • Volcanoes • Lightning • Forest fires • Plants
Anthropogenic Sources of Air Pollution • On-road vehicles • Power plants • Industrial processes • Waste disposal
Effects of Air Pollution • Low level exposure • Irritates eyes & Causes inflammation of respiratory tract • Can develop into chronic respiratory diseases
Children and Air Pollution • Greater health threat to children than adults • Air pollution can restrict lung development • Children breath more often than adults • Children who live in high ozone areas are more likely to develop asthma