Air Pollution Air pollution happens when gases and particles enter the air. Burning is the greatest source of air pollution Coal, oil and natural gas, wood, paper and trash produce harmful gases and particles.

Sources of Air Pollution – CO2 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is naturally present in the atmosphere and excessive burning has caused an increase. CO2 absorbs heat, and air that would normally escape into space contributes to what some believe is the Greenhouse Effect. –The Greenhouse effect is actually normal and necessary to support life. Over the years the amount of concentration of gases trapped has increase. This increase causes the earth’s temperature to warm up. This is Global Warming.

Sources of Air Pollution - CO Tobacco smoke and car exhaust are two producers of carbon monoxide (CO). Nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide are produced from burning, it causes eyes to tear and burn, and combine with water in air to create acid rain, which corrodes metal, damages stone and damages plants.

Sources of Air Pollution Hydrocarbons are produced from liquid fuels and solvents that evaporate, natural gas that escapes into the air, and incompletely burned fossil fuels. These can cause cancers, and when hydrocarbons react with nitric acid in the air, they form smog. Smog can reduce visibility in some areas up to 70%. Motor vehicle exhaust is a primary source of hydrocarbons

Sources of Air Pollution Lead – a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in manufactured products. Exposure to lead can damage the kidneys, liver, brain, and nerves. Particulates – are particles in the air that can be harmful and include lead and asbestos, which is a mineral in fibers that do not burn, and when it flakes off can be inhaled and cause cancer.

Sources of Air Pollution Sometimes the weather itself can cause pollution. Normally, warmer air is nearest the earth’s surface. It rises, carrying pollutants with it and preventing a build up near the ground. When a layer of cool air gets trapped under a layer of warm air, a temperature inversion occurs. Pollutants are not carried away.

Solutions Switch lights off. Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent. Turn off appliances/electronics when not in use. Turn thermostat down Insulate home Wash clothes in warm or cold Avoid preheating over too long. Try using toaster over or microwave

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Sources of Energy Renewable: Energy that replaces in a short period of time, usually within a person’s lifetime. Such as solar, wind and geothermal Non-renewable: Energy that has a longer replacement period, longer than a person’s lifetime. Such as oil, natural gas, and coal

Vocabulary Greenhouse Effect Acid Rain Smog Ozone Global Warming Particulate Temperature Inversion Renewable Energy Non-Renewable Energy Lead Air Quality Index (AQI)