1. Air Pollution

2. Atmosphere Troposphere – layer closest to the earth surface
Extends 11 miles above sea level over the equator and 5 miles over the poles
Volume consists of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen
Responsible for short term weather and long term climate

3. Stratosphere – second layer that
extends miles above the earths surface
Large concentration of ozone O3
This layer of ozone acts as a sun screen blocking 95% of the sun’s harmful UV rays

4. Mesosphere – extends 30 -50 miles
Thermosphere – extends miles

5. Air Pollution
Def – the presence of chemicals in the atmosphere in concentrations high enough to harm organisms and materials and to alter climate
Can come from natural and human sources

6. Outdoor Pollutants
1. Primary Pollutants – emitted directly into the atmosphere
Soot and carbon monoxide
2. Secondary Pollutants – where primary pollutants react with one another and form new pollutants

7. Indoor Pollutants
Can be pollutants from outside or chemicals used inside buildings
According to the WHO 1 in 6 people breath unhealthy air

9. Smog Industrial Smog – consists mostly of sulfur dioxide and aerosols
Gray in color and form acid rain
Mostly found in developed countries
Photochemical Smog – produced when chemicals react with sunlight
Yellowish brown in color with a choking odor

10. Totally did not know that this existed!!!!!!!!!!

11. Smog Formation 3 natural factors reduce air pollution
Rain/Snow cleans the air
Salty sea spray washes out particulates from air that flows from land to sea
Wind sweep and dilute pollutants mixing them with clean air

12. 3 factors that increase smog 1
3 factors that increase smog 1. Buildings slow wind speed, dilution, and removal of pollutants 2. Hills and mountains reduce the flow of air in valleys allowing pollutant levels to build up 3. High temperatures promote chemical reactions

13. Sources of pollution
Combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal
This burning produces pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead particulates

14. Nitrogen Oxide (NO)
Derived from combustion activities such as road emissions
NO is not harmful but will oxidize into NO2 which is harmful
Some effects include irritated lungs and susceptibility to infection such as influenza
Bird flu anyone???????

15. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Produced when materials or fuel are burned containing sulfur
Much SO2 is natural but also come from a power stations burning fuel
Can cause lung failure and problems for asthmatics

16. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Colorless, odorless gas that results from incomplete burning of fuels
Prevents the normal transport of blood which reduces the amount of oxygen to the heart

18. Lead/Heavy metals Introduced mostly from industrial factories
Most harmful to infants and young children
Has been linked to impaired mental functions, visual motor functions, decreased memory and attention span

19. Acid Rain
the process by which acids with a pH normally below 5.6 are removed from the atmosphere in rain, snow, sleet or hail
When Sulfur and Nitrogen combine with oxygen to for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide
Mix with vapor in the air to become acid rain

20. Effects on Environment
Makes trees lose their leaves and needles (turn brown)
Also will stunt growth, damage bark, and make vulnerable to weather, disease and insects
Lakes become acidic. Fish die which in turn kills birds that eat toxic fish
Fish eggs become damaged
Fish become stunted, sick, or lose reproductivity

24. Effects on buildings
When acid rain comes in contact with limestone or sandstone, they turn into dust (gypsum)
Have an effect on buildings, stained glass, railroads, airplanes, cars, stone bridges, and pipes

27. Effect on humans Can cause death Mostly causes respiratory problems
Toxins taken in by plants and animals are absorbed by humans when eaten
Can cause brain damage, kidney problems, and Alzheimer's disease

28. Solutions
conserve energy and pollute less! Use less electricity; and carpool, use public transportation, or walk when you can
Clean the coal. Coal can be cleaned by running water over it. That pulls out the sulfur but this is very costly so companies don’t do it

29. Clean Air Act
Passed in 1963, 1970, 1977, 1990
Requires EPA to regulate and protect the public to exposure airborne pollutants
Primary standard – set to protect human health
Secondary standard – intended to prevent environmental and property damage

30. Outdoor pollutants has decreased since 1970 because of two factors:
Citizens insisted laws be passed and enforced
The country was wealthy enough to make changes

31. More can be done!! There are deficiencies in the act such as:
We rely on pollution cleanup rather than on prevention
Congress has failed to increase fuel-efficiency standards for cars, SUVs and light trucks
Regulations from emissions from inefficient two cycle gas engines remains inadequate

32. 4. The acts have done little to to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases 5. Acts have failed to deal with indoor pollutants 6. Need for better enforcement of the acts