Air Pollution and its affect on local weather & climate

Particulate Pollution Urban activities (transport, industry, power production etc) release particulate matter into the air. Urban activities (transport, industry, power production etc) release particulate matter into the air. Some naturally occurring particulate matter also exists. Some naturally occurring particulate matter also exists. They can be solid or liquid in form. They can be solid or liquid in form. Particles under 10 micrometers are the biggest problem to health as they can be inhaled Particles under 10 micrometers are the biggest problem to health as they can be inhaled Under 2.5 micrometers = fine (from combustion) Under 2.5 micrometers = fine (from combustion) micrometers = coarse (dust etc) micrometers = coarse (dust etc)

Photochemical Smog This particulate matter, and other gases released by urban activities can lead to the formation of photochemical smog. This particulate matter, and other gases released by urban activities can lead to the formation of photochemical smog.

Formation A build up of pollutants from combustion A build up of pollutants from combustion Reacts with sunlight Reacts with sunlight Forms secondary pollutants that combine with the emissions to produce ‘smog’ Forms secondary pollutants that combine with the emissions to produce ‘smog’

Simple requirements: Simple requirements: a still, sunny day a still, sunny day temperature inversion (pollutants accumulate in the lower inversion layer) temperature inversion (pollutants accumulate in the lower inversion layer) Los Angeles is famous for its SMOG due to the location. Wind blowing from the sea and the mountains to the East trap the pollution. Los Angeles is famous for its SMOG due to the location. Wind blowing from the sea and the mountains to the East trap the pollution.

L.A SMOG See also the handout on the VLE ‘Fog Formation’ which includes excellent info on L.A Smog (Pages 4-5) NO = Nitric Oxide NO2 = Nitrogen Dioxide CO = Carbon Monoxide SO2 – Sulphur Dioxide VOC = Volatile Organic Compounds

The ‘Pea Souper’ In the 1950’s London had serious smog issues. In the 1950’s London had serious smog issues. The dangers of this can be seen in the graph. Both respiratory problems and an increase in accidents due to poor vision cause this. The dangers of this can be seen in the graph. Both respiratory problems and an increase in accidents due to poor vision cause this. Laws had to be passed to reduce the problem. Laws had to be passed to reduce the problem.

looks at the state of air in the USA looks at the state of air in the USA

Air Quality Index (AQI) Values) Levels of Health Concern Colors When the AQI is in this range:...air quality conditions are:..as symbolized by this color: 0-50GoodGreen ModerateYellow Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Orange 151 to 200UnhealthyRed 201 to 300Very UnhealthyPurple 301 to 500HazardousMaroon For more details on health implications and at risk groups

UK Legislation Clean Air Act 1956 (Until 1964) – In response to the Pea Soupers. Clean Air Act 1956 (Until 1964) – In response to the Pea Soupers. Introduced smoke control zones and the forced the use of smokeless fuels. Introduced smoke control zones and the forced the use of smokeless fuels. Chimney heights were increased Chimney heights were increased Power stations had to be built away from cities Power stations had to be built away from cities

1968 – Clean air act updated and increased standards implemented 1968 – Clean air act updated and increased standards implemented Environmental Protection Act requires industry to limit dust, fumes and gasses Environmental Protection Act requires industry to limit dust, fumes and gasses 1991 – MOT for cars now to include emissions test. Aims to reduce polluting vehicles 1991 – MOT for cars now to include emissions test. Aims to reduce polluting vehicles

1993 – Further increase in standards and new powers to deal with offenders. Includes mention of grit and dust release 1993 – Further increase in standards and new powers to deal with offenders. Includes mention of grit and dust release 1995 – The Environment Act – Commands local authorities to test air quality and enforce the air quality laws. Action plans must be drawn up to improve air quality 1995 – The Environment Act – Commands local authorities to test air quality and enforce the air quality laws. Action plans must be drawn up to improve air quality 2000 – Leaded petrol is banned. Only unleaded can be used 2000 – Leaded petrol is banned. Only unleaded can be used

2010 – Environmental Permitting Regulations. New laws to tighten up power production and heavy industry to make them limit emissions – Environmental Permitting Regulations. New laws to tighten up power production and heavy industry to make them limit emissions. Permits given based on BATS (Best available techniques to strike a balance of cost/technology/environment Permits given based on BATS (Best available techniques to strike a balance of cost/technology/environment EU laws also impact on the UK EU laws also impact on the UK llution-particulate-eu llution-particulate-eu llution-particulate-eu llution-particulate-eu 2008 – Ambient air quality directive (EU) – Legally binding limits for a variety of major air pollutants. Made law in UK in 2010 with the Air Quality Standards Regulations law 2008 – Ambient air quality directive (EU) – Legally binding limits for a variety of major air pollutants. Made law in UK in 2010 with the Air Quality Standards Regulations law