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Unit 7.1 - Introduction to Air Pollution

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Unit 7.1 - Introduction to Air Pollution

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Air pollution is defined as something that is in the atmosphere and is harmful to humans and the environment. One type of air pollution is primary air pollution which is emitted directly into the atmosphere. The other type is secondary air pollution which once it is in the atmosphere, it could combine with water vapor/atmospheric gases. Fossil fuels are a huge source of pollution. They release fossil carbon which is impure from the environment. Effects of fossil fuel pollution include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, exacerbation of existing lung conditions, permanent lung damage, and plant tissue damage during photosynthesis and respiration. Due to too much pollution, the Clean Air Act was established (1970) to set the Air Quality Standards and there are 6 criteria pollutants which are sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide.

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Photochemical smog comes from motor vehicles and it is formed from the many primary pollutants. Many factors, however, have the ability to affect the formation of smog including the day and time of the year. That is because more motor vehicles are used in mornings/evening? rather than morning/evening? Photochemical smog is detrimental to human health as well as the environment because they have the ability to irritate a human's eyes, nose, and throat. Tropospheric ozone can harm the plant tissue. To reduce photochemical smog, it is best to reduce the use of cars and gasoline.

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Indoor air pollution has natural and human-made sources. Natural sources can come from mold, dust, and radon. Human-made sources can come from asbestos and combustion (smoke). Mold can be found in homes, schools, or buildings with poor ventilation, water leaks, and humidity. Smoke has the ability to irritate and damage the respiratory system. Actual sources that can lead to indoor air pollution include carpeting, furniture, and household products. Building materials can also lead to formaldehyde. Going back to the natural source radon, it is a naturally occurring gas that one cannot see or smell. It is able to get into houses if there are cracks in the building foundation. It is known to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.

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Unit 7.6 - Methods to Reduce Air Pollutants

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Unit 7.6 - Methods to Reduce Air Pollutants

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There have already been steps made towards reducing air pollutants. This includes the Clean Air Act where the air quality standards protect human and environmental health. The EPA has also banned lead in gasoline and has worked to protect the ozone layer. Another thing that can be done is alternative fuels to have reduced pollutants. Alternative fuels include natural gas, electricity, biofuels, propane, and ethanol. It is also up to individuals and communities to conserve energy and reduce the emissions. For example, instead of using the car, one could take public transportation. One other option is vapor recovery systems which can catch Volatile Organic Compounds that escape from gasoline when cars refuel. Lastly, catalytic converters can be used where high temperatures and chemical reactions occur to change the air pollutants from fuel combustion to less toxic gases that enter the tail pipe.

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On the pH scale, acid rain is at 4.3.It comes from sources such as vehicles that burn fossil fuels where Nitrogen oxides (NOx) can react with water and form nitrous and nitric acid. Coal burning power plants can release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which can react with water to form Sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Sulfuric acid can take the form of dry deposits or rain/snow. Sulfur oxides and Nitrogen oxides can travel long distance meaning they can be very impactful anywhere. They can lead to aluminum toxicity which leach from soil and is toxic to plants and marine life. Forests can also suffer from calcium deficiencies and reduced photosynthesis. From acid rain, human-made structures such as those made from marble or limestone can also be damaged. What determines the impact of acid deposition is bedrock and soil mineral contents.

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Noise pollution is defined as any noise that can cause humans stress or can possibly damage human health. Sources of noise pollution include transportation and construction activity. The noise pollution can harm humans by leading to hearing loss which is permanent. It can also lead to stress, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Urban areas are at higher risk of noise pollution. Ways to reduce noise pollution have already been set in place by the U.S. Noise Control Act of 1972 which gives the EPA power to regulate noise, the limits on noise exposure in the workplace by Occupational Safety and Health Association, and the Quiet Communities Act which provides funding to help communities reduce the noise from airports.