2.  The contamination of the earth’s atmosphere by harmful substances  Numerous studies have linked it to a wide variety of health problems, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer

3. 1. Ozone – forms at ground level when certain other pollutants react chemically in the presence of sunlight  Ground-level ozone is a major component of smog 2. Particulate matter – small particles found in the air, such as dust, soil, soot, smoke, mold, and droplets of liquid

4. 3. Carbon monoxide – colorless, odorless gas that forms when carbon in fuel is not burned completely 4. Sulfur dioxide – comes chiefly from power plants, especially those that burn coal

5. 5. Nitrogen oxides – highly reactive gases that form when fuel is burned at high temperatures, as in motor vehicles and power plants 6. Lead – metal found naturally in the environment (also in manufactured products)

6.  An index for reporting daily air quality  Created by the EPA  You can use the AQI to help you avoid unhealthy exposure to air pollution

7. › Occurs when a layer of warm air forms above a layer of cool air › Air cannot circulate and pollutants are trapped in cooler layer › Emphysema is most aggravated by temperature inversion

8.  Earth’s average temperature has risen 1.4 degree F over the past century  Small changes in the average temperature of the planet can cause large and potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather

9.  Trapping of heat by gases in the earth’s atmosphere  The gases allow sunlight to enter our atmosphere but block heat from escaping  Without the greenhouse effect the planet would be too cold to support life  The main greenhouse gas we produce is carbon dioxide

10.  Human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere  Greenhouse gases come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy  Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm = global warming

11.  Replace light fixtures or light bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified products (save approx. $70 a year on energy bills)  Look for ENERGY STAR products  Heat and cool smartly (change air filters, use programmable thermostats)  Seal and insulate homes  Reduce, reuse, recycle

12.  Use water efficiently (turn off water while brushing teeth, fix leaky faucets)  Be green in your yard  Purchase green power  Spread the word!

13.  Research has found that in many cases, the air inside buildings contains more pollutants than the outdoor air, even in the biggest cities  Common sources of indoor pollution;  Household chemicals  Cleaning fluids  Pesticides  Chemicals used in building and furnishing materials

14.  Carbon monoxide – produced by fuel- burning equipment, such as stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces  Asbestos – mineral fiber that was used in the past as insulation (can lead to lung cancer)  Radon – an odorless, radioactive gas produced during the natural breakdown of the element uranium in soil and rocks (can cause lung cancer)  Fluorocarbons – found in aerosol sprays that cause damage to the ozone layer

15.  Identify sources of pollution  Home test kits and detectors can help you measure levels of radon and carbon monoxide  Increase the ventilation in your home