Mrs. Wharton’s Science Class

What is Air Quality? Air Quality- Affects the quality of life of all organisms on earth. Natural and Human activities greatly influence the quality of air. The environment may contain dangerous levels of substances that are harmful to human beings.

Air Pollution Air pollution -is made up of gases, particles, or other particulates that are harmful to people or the environment Pollutants- harmful substances in the air, water or soil.

Fossil Fuels Most air pollution is the result of burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline and diesel fuel. The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere.

Smog Smog is combination (colloid) of smoke, fog and chemicals. Many areas have smog problems. Smog irritates the lungs

Acid Rain Some of the gases from the burning of the fossil fuels mix with water vapor and then form acid rain. Acid rain is harmful to both living and non living things. Because air pollutants are often carried by prevailing winds, acid rain may fall far from the source of pollution.

Greenhouse Effect The trapping of the sun’s heat near the Earth’s surface. Human activities that increase carbon dioxide levels may be intensifying the greenhouse effect.

Global Warming A theory that predicts that the increase in carbon dioxide levels will cause the average temperature to continue to rise.

Ozone Depletion The major cause of the hole in the Ozone layer is the use of CFC’s – gases that used be used in many household products such as aerosol cans.

Humans Effect On the Environment The cumulative ecological effects of global ozone depletion, air pollution, increased particulate matter, acid rain, and global warming concerns the entire GLOBAL community. Studies have shown that the human impact on these factors has impacted the global system. Using less fossil fuels is the best way to improve air quality. Most forms of transportation and many industries produce carbon dioxide and add particles in the air and reduce the quality of the atmosphere.

Natural Sources of Pollution Air pollution does not consist entirely of man made substances. Some “natural” pollutants include radon, pollen, and mold spores. Others are dust from plowed fields and volcanic eruptions.

EPA- Environmental Protection Agency Provides daily information about air quality. Local weather channels also issue information related to the health of the atmosphere. Help enforce the laws that exist to reduce air pollution.