1. Section 2
Air Quality
Pages 20-23

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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?

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

9. How does rain become more acidic?
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?
Burning coal that contains a lot of nitrogen and sulfur produces nitrogen and sulfur oxides.
The oxides combine with water in the air to form nitric and sulfuric acids.
Precipitation carries these particles from the air to the surface of our Earth.