Section 4-4 Air Pollution and Solutions

1. What are the causes of smog and acid rain?

2. What are the causes of indoor air pollution?

3. What is the key to reducing air pollution?

What are the causes of Smog and Acid Rain?

Emissions: any pollutant that is released into the air.

The largest source of emissions are exhaust from cars and trucks.

Volcanic eruptions would be a natural cause of air pollution.

SMOGPhotochemical smog is a thick, brownish

haze formed when certain gases in the air react with sunlight.

Can cause eye and

throat irritation and

breathing problems.QuickTime™ and a

decompressorare needed to see this picture.

SMOG

1. Major source are gases emitted by all types of automobiles.

2. Burning gas releases hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides into the air.

3. These react with sunlight to make ozone (which is toxic)

4. Ozone can cause lung damage and weakened immune systems

Temperature inversions trap polluted air and hold it closer to the Earth’s surface.

Caused by a layer of warm air that traps the rising warm air with pollutants from escaping the atmosphere. Smog becomes more concentrated and dangerous.

A. Coolest layer

B. Warm layer

C. Cool layer (holds smog)

pH Values (Acidity and Alkalinity)

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Acid Rain1. Caused by emissions from power plants and

factories that burn coal and oil.2. Produce nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides

with react with water vapor forming nitric acid and sulfuric acid.

3. Acids return to the earth in all types of precipitation. QuickTime™ and a

decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Acid RainProblems:

1. Makes the water in ponds and streams more acidic. Many organisms cannot tolerate acidic water.2. Can damage the leaves and stems of plants.3. Can change the pH of the soil.4. Can react with metal and stone buildings and structures.5. Increases rusting of autos.

Indoor Air Pollution• Some substances that cause indoor

air pollution, such as dust and pet hair, bother only those people who are allergic to them. Other indoor air pollutants, such as toxic chemicals, can affect anyone.

Air Pollutionand Solutions

Indoor Air Pollution

Sources:

1. Dust

2. Pet hair/dander

3. Cleaning supplies/household chemicals

4. Cigarette smoke

5. Any chemical used within the room.

Carbon Monoxide1. Colorless, odorless gas2. Forms during the burning of coal, oil, wood, or gas3. Can be deadly if it builds up in an enclosed space.4. To protect your home, install a carbon monoxide detector.

Radon1. Colorless, odorless gas that is radioactive2. Formed naturally be certain types of rocks underground.3. Enter homes through cracks in basements or floors4. Can cause lung cancer and other health problems.5. To protect your home, install ventilation systems to

prevent build up of radon.

Reducing Air Pollution• The key to reducing air pollution is to

control emissions. A smokestack scrubber removes pollutants such as sulfur dioxide from emissions.

Reducing Air Pollution

Clean Air Act regulates the amount of certain pollutants that can be released into the air.

Installling scrubbers on factory smoke stacks.

Emissions testing of vehicles.

Reducing use of fossil fuels.