the atmosphere b2: air quality. air quality air quality – the degree to which the ambient air is...
TRANSCRIPT
The Atmosphere
B2: Air Quality
Air Quality• Air Quality – the degree to which the
ambient air is pollutant-free.–Pollutant – substance in the air, water, or
soil that is harmful to living things
–Air Quality Index (AQI) – a number used by government agencies to indicate the degree to which the air is polluted – As the level of pollution increases, the
number increases.
–Different countries have their own AQI scale which are currently not consistent
Air Quality• United States – The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has developed their own AQI.
–Divided into six categories of increasing health concern
– The U.S. AQI is based on the 5 pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act
–Ground level ozone,particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide
AQI Report for July 29th
Air Quality–Most weather websites will report the AQI –Weather
Channel Report
Sources of Pollution• Sources – Pollution can occur naturally and
as a result of human activities–Natural Sources – many natural
processes add particles to the atmosphere
– Forest fires, soil erosion, and dust storms release a great deal of particles into the air
– The wind carries particles of mold and pollen
– Volcanoes erupt with great clouds of ash and poisonous gases
Sources of Pollution–Human Sources – Activities human engage in
that increases pollutants– Farming and Construction – Can send soil
and dust into the air– Fossil fuels – The majority of air pollution by
humans is the result of burning fossil fuels – Fossil fuels are burned in cars, homes,
factories, and power plants– Produces soot (particles and
hydrocarbons), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur dioxide
– Causes smog and acid rain
Smog and Acid Rain• Smog – Combination of the words ‘smoke’ and ‘fog’
– Soot Smog – Forms when particles in coal smoke combine with water droplets in humid air
– First noted 100 years ago in London, England where factories and most homes were heated with coal
– Air became filled with soot which combined with the fog to create a dark, dirty cloud that hung over the city
– Today, they burn much less coal which has resulted in cleaner air
Smog and Acid Rain–Photochemical Smog – Formed by the
action of sunlight on pollutants such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides– These chemicals react to form a brownish
mixture of ozone and other pollutants
– This type of fog is typically found in large cities with lots of sun
–However wind can disperse these pollutants for many miles around
Smog and Acid Rain• Acid Rain – Rain that is more acidic than
normal rain (which is naturally slightly acidic)– Formation – Burning coal, which contains
sulfur, produces sulfur oxide – Sulfur oxides combine with nitrogen
oxides and the water in the air– The combination of the three forms nitric
acid and sulfuric acid– Then rain, sleet, snow, and fog carry
these two acids into trees and lakes
Smog and Acid Rain– Effects – Acid rain causes a lot of environmental
damage that can affect entire ecosystems
– Can make water so acidic that plants, amphibians, and fish can no longer survive in it.
– Kills trees and forests, especially needle-leaf trees like pine and spruce
– It can also damage the surfaces of buildings and statues
Effect of PollutionPollutant Source Health Effect
Carbon Monoxide
Nitrogen Dioxide
Burning of fossil fuels
Reduced ability of blood to deliver oxygen to cells
Burning of fossil fuels
Breathing problems, lung damage
OzoneChemical reaction of certain carbon
compounds
Breathing problems, asthma, eye irritation
Particles (dust,
smoke, soot)
Burning of wood, fossil fuels, and
volcanic eruptions
Respiratory illnesses, nose and throat
irritation and infections
Sulfur Dioxide
Burning of fossil fuels & volcanic
eruptions
Breathing problems, lung damage
Improving Air Quality• Quality – In the U.S., federal and state
governments have passed laws and regulations to reduce air pollution– In general, air quality has improved over
the past 30 years–Newer cars cause less pollution than older ones– Recently-built power plants are less polluting
–However, there are more cars and power plants than ever before
–Many American cities are still polluted
Improving Air Quality– Voluntary measures such as car pooling, using
public transportation, and energy saving appliances, window, and heating all help reduce pollutants
– Some people want more regulations–Others argue it is expensive and should not
be mandated
In Closing–What do you think we should do to reduce air
pollution?