The Air We Breathe

Primary pollutants – pollutants that are put directly into the air by human or natural activity, ex. Exhaust from vehicles, ash from volcanic eruptions Secondary pollutants – pollutants that form from chemical reactions that occur when primary pollutants come in contact with other primary pollutants or with naturally occurring substances, such as water vapor; Ex. Ozone and smog

Sources of Human-Caused Air Pollution: Industrial Air Pollution – burning fossil fuels that release large amounts of oxides into air; others release different chemicals Indoor Air Pollution – compounds found in cleaners and cooking smoke, compounds found in carpets, paints, and building materials

The Air Pollution Problem Acid precipitation – precipitation that contains acids from air pollution Qhttps:// Q The Ozone Hole – breakdown of ozone that allows more ultraviolet rays to reach Earth’s surface

Effects on Human Health – dizziness; burning, itch eyes; coughing and trouble breathing; lung cancer and other lung diseases; chest pains, increased colds, and allergies; headaches; runny nose; and sore throat

Cleaning Up Our Act Clean Air Act (1970) – gives Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority to control the amount of air pollutants that can be released from any source Controlling Air Pollution from vehicles – devices that remove pollutants from car’s exhaust; electric cars; alternative fuel sources Controlling Air Pollution from Industry – industries use scrubbers in smokestack to remove pollutants