Acid Rain and Indoor Air Pollution

Inversion Layers What effect will this have on local and regional air pollution?

Formation of Acid Rain Most coal-burning plants, ore smelters, and other industrial plants use tall smokestacks to emit sulfur dioxide into the troposphere. Here wind can mix and dilute the particles. This reduces local pollution but can increase regional pollution because these pollutants can be carried far away by prevailing winds. During the trip, they form secondary pollutants like nitric acid vapor, droplets of sulfuric acid, and acid-forming sulfate and nitrate salts.

ACID DEPOSISTION

Natural Precipitation has a pH of 5.6!!!

Some areas are more affected than others…

What are the effects? Plants and soils—when pH falls below 5.1, the acid leaches essential nutrients (calcium and magnesium) from the soil. Acids can also dissolve insoluble compounds (aluminum, lead, cadmium, and mercury). Trees also weaken. Humans—contributes to respiratory disease. Aquatic systems—when pH falls below 6, can result in fish kills.

Reducing Acid Deposition Coal-burning power plants in the US have started using low-sulfur ignite coal. This coal has a lower heating value, thus more must be used. This contributes to higher amounts of other pollutants (CO 2, mercury, radioactive particles). China, India, and Russia have a strong incentive to use coal because they have a lot of it. Owners of plants maintain that to reduce sulfur emissions, the cost to the consumer would be too high. What do you think about this?

INDOOR AIR POLLUTION Your House is Killing You!!!

Poverty and Environmental Quality

Formaldehyde Sources: plywood, particle board, paneling, high-gloss woods, furniture, drapes, upholstery, adhesives, insulation, permanent- press clothing, fingernail hardener. 1 in 5,000 who live in these for more than 10 years will die of lung cancer from formaldehyde exposure.

How do reduce your exposure… Avoid buying uncoated pressed wood products made with urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin: these include many plywood and particleboard products used indoors, such as cabinets and desks. Consider using formaldehyde-free materials such as solid wood, gypsum board, some hardboard products, stainless steel, adobe, bricks, tile, and plastic. Use formaldehyde-free insulation. Consider buying used or antique furniture; formaldehyde emissions decrease as products age. Exhaust all combustion appliances directly to the outdoors; have them checked annually by a professional to assure proper operation and venting. Wash permanent press clothing, sheets, and other fabrics before using: one washing can reduce formaldehyde emissions from these products by up to 60 percent! Do not allow tobacco smoking in your home; avoid exposure to cigarette smoke. Air out new carpet, new furniture made with pressed wood products, new draperies, and other permanent press textiles in a ventilated area for several days before bringing them into the home. Keep fresh outdoor air circulating when applying fingernail hardeners, nail polish, and other cosmetic products that may contain formaldehyde. These products can be high-emitters. Keep doors and windows open when painting your home and when installing wallpaper.

Radioactive Radon Gas Radon-222 – Naturally occurring gas – Odorless, colorless, tasteless – Made by the decay of uranium-238 naturally found in rocks and soil – Much more concentrated in underground deposits – Seeps into basements and sub-floors through cracks in foundation or sump-pumps – Radon is the second leading cause of lung-cancer

Your Home Can be Tested Short term test kits (3-4 days) are $15, which includes all costs. Just follow the instructions on the package and return the kit to the manufacturer for analysis at no extra charge. Long term test kits (3-12 months) are $25, which includes all costs. Just follow the instructions on the package and return the kit to the manufacturer for analysis at no extra charge. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages all homeowners to test their residences for radon gas concentrations. The National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University (K-state) has radon test kits available for purchase by homeowners for personal use.