apes module 46 - major air pollutants/sources

• Air pollution can be primary or secondary
• air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, and/or microorganisms into the atmosphere
• primary pollutants are sourced directly from a smokestack, exhaust pipe, or natural emission source
• examples of primary pollutants include CO, CO2, SO2, NO2, and most particulate matter
• primary pollutants require sunlight from clouds and specific atmospheric temperatures to transform into secondary pollutants
• secondary pollutants were originally primary pollutants
• examples of secondary pollutants include 03, sulfate, nitrate, and nitric acid with acid deposition
• sulfur dioxide is a corrosive gas
• the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil as well as volcanic activity and forest fires all release sulfur dioxide
• sulfur dioxide is a respiratory irritant and may also harm plant tissue
• motor vehicles and stationery fossil fuel combustion release nitrogen oxides
• nitrogen oxides are ozone precursors
• ozone precursor

  causes formation of smog
• nitrogen oxides convert to nitric acid in the atmosphere which causes acid deposition
• nitrogen oxides may cause eutrophication
• carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, which blocks the uptake and distribution of oxygen via red blood cells
• carbon dioxide forms via combustion of fossil fuels
• carbon dioxide causes adverse health effects
• particulate matter may be solid or liquid
• particulate matter is naturally and anthropogenically caused
• particulate matter absorbs and scatters light which causes haze
• particulate matter varies in size; generally smaller is more harmful
• lead is found in rocks, soil, oil, coal, and old paint
• lead and mercury are neurotoxins
• neurotoxin


  impairs central nervous system
• VOCs = volatile organic compouds
• VOCs evaporate in typical atmospheric temperatures
• the evaporation of fuels, solvents, paints as well as the improper combustion of fuels release VOCs
• plants release VOCs to communicate
• VOCs irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; they also cause headaches, coordination issues, liver / kidney / nervous system damage, and cancer