Air pollution and solutions

Today you will learn: -- what causes indoor and outdoor air pollution -- what causes damage to the ozone layer -- how air pollution can be reduced What is the ozone? Ozone is a colorless, odorless gas made of oxygen. Most oxygen is made of two oxygen atoms, but ozone is made of three.

Is ozone good or bad? GOOD: BAD 10 – 30 miles up above the earth it protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays. Closer to earth, ozone is an air pollutant that can be harmful. Attacks the cells lining the airways.

The air we breathe is made of: a mixture of nitrogen 78%! oxygen (O2) 21% carbon dioxide (CO2) water vapor other gases

What causes air pollution? Before 1950, most emissions (pollutants) were caused by factories and power plants burning coal. Now, cars and trucks are the main offender. Methane released from farm animals also sends pollution into the air.

There are natural sources of air pollution!

Photochemical Smog Temperature Inversion Common cause: Cars and trucks release hydrocarbons which react to sunlight and create ozone. (O3)

Acid Rain: When precipitation is more acidic than normal because of pollution Caused by factories that burn coal and oil.

Indoor Air Pollution

The Ozone Hole Discovered in the late 1970s. Caused by CFCs aka chlorofluorocarbons (a group of gases used in air conditioners, aerosol spray cans, and other household products).

Why does taking public transportation, walking, or bicycling cut down on emissions? That’s more obvious. Fewer cars on the road means less air pollution. Why does turning lights and other electronics off help control emissions? Because fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity.

A large percentage of emissions resulting in air pollution come from: Cars and trucks

A thick, brownish haze formed when certain gases in the air react with sunlight. Photochemical smog

A layer of warm air prevents rising air from escaping and traps pollutants near the Earth’s surface. temperature (or thermal) inversion

The key to reducing air pollution is to control emissions

CFCs once used in many household products contributed to the creation of a(n) Ozone hole

Define emissions: Pollutants released into the air.

The ozone layer protects people from harmful: Ultraviolet (UV) rays

The ozone layer protects people from harmful: Ultraviolet (UV) rays