1. Chapter 5 Air and Water Resources
Section 1
Air Pollution
Notes 5-1

2. What’s in the Air?
Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, and other gases
All living things depend on these gases
Air Pollution: any change to the atmosphere that has harmful effects
Pollutants: cause pollution
Particles of solids (asbestos) and gases (chlorine fumes)
Emissions: particles and gases released into the atmosphere
Vehicles, air planes, anything motorized, volcanoes

3. Smog Photochemical smog:
Thick, brownish haze formed when gases in the air react with sunlight
Caused by gases emitted by automobiles and trucks
Gases formed when gasoline is not completely burned
Hydrocarbons: compounds containing hydrogen and carbon
Nitrogen oxides: contain nitrogen and oxygen
React with sunlight and form ozone
Toxic
Major chemical in smog

4. Clear Day
In Houston
Smog Day
In Houston

5. Temperature Inversion
Layer of cold air trapped next to the surface by warm air
Polluted air is trapped with the cold air
Normally warm air is closest to the surface and it gets colder as the distance increases
Pollutants are then allowed to escape with the rising warm air

6. Temperature Inversion

8. Effects of Smog Itchy, watery eyes Scratchy throat Lung problems
Harm bodies defense against disease
During a smog alert
Asthma patients should stay indoors
No outside activities for anyone.

9. Acid Rain Precipitation that is more acidic than normal
When coal and oil are burned, they produce nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides.
These form nitric acid and sulfuric acid when mixed with water vapor
Can also be snow, sleet, or fog

11. Acid Rain Changes the pH of lakes or ponds Affects plants also
Causes survival rate of fish and turtles to decline
Affects plants also
Changes the nutrient level in the soil
Affects certain types of stone
Limestone and marble are eaten away
Eats away paint and that causes metal to rust

15. Indoor Air Pollution Air inside can be even worse than outside
Dust, pet hair and air fresheners
Asbestos (building material used in old buildings) causes cancer and lung disease
Paints and cleaning supplies can give off toxic fumes
Smoke from cigarettes or cigars

16. Indoor Air Pollution Carbon Monoxide: (CO)
Colorless, odorless gas that forms when wood, coal, oil or gas is burned
Can build up in enclosed areas
Must use a carbon monoxide detector to determine if the gas is present

17. Indoor Air Pollution Radon:
Colorless, odorless gas that is radioactive
Formed by certain rocks underground and seeps into basements through cracks
May cause lung cancer or other health problems if breathed in over many years
Good ventilation will prevent the build up of this gas