Section 2 Air Quality Pages 20-23

Air Pollution… Pollutants – harmful substances in the air, water, or soil

How is air pollution produced? Some occurs naturally… a volcanic eruption. Most air pollution is the result of burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel.

Describe ways in which harmful particles are added to the air NATURALLY. evaporation of salt water the wind blows mold and plant pollen forest fires soil erosion dust storms erupting volcanoes

Describe ways in which harmful particles are added to the air by HUMANS. Burning fuels, such as wood and coal, releases carbon into the air. Farming and construction release soil particles in the air. Driving motor vehicles! Factories and power plants burning coal and oil.

What problems does air pollution cause for us? The respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs) is most affected by air pollution. Dizziness and headaches Eye, nose, and throat irritation Allergies Cough Lung disease Chest pain

What has been done to improve our air quality? Pollution control devices are required on all cars. Factories and power plants must install filters, called scrubbers, in smokestacks to remove pollutants from smoke. What can YOU do?

Photochemical Smog Smog – the brown haze that forms in cities; caused by the action of sunlight on chemicals chemicals + sunlight = smog

Acid Rain Rain is naturally slightly acidic, but some contains more acid than normal and is known as acid rain. How does rain become more acidic? 1. Burning coal that contains a lot of nitrogen and sulfur produces nitrogen and sulfur oxides. 2. The oxides combine with water in the air to form nitric and sulfuric acids. 3. Precipitation carries these particles from the air to the surface of our Earth.

WWK on ISN #2 Pollutants Photochemical smog Acid rain