Air Pollutants and the Clean Air Act

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Questions and Answers

What should you write about when discussing air pollution?

Write about air pollutants (specific molecules/particles) not just air "pollution" as an idea.

What does SO2 stand for?

Sulfur dioxide

What are NOx?

Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2)

Identify a source of CO.

<p>Carbon monoxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is PM?

<p>Particulate matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is tropospheric O3?

<p>Ozone</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants are monitored as part of the Clean Air Act?

<p>All of the above (G)</p> Signup and view all the answers

CO2 is one of the 6 criteria pollutants in the Clean Air Act.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these releases more air pollutants than other fossil fuels?

<p>Coal Combustion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an impact of SO2?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

NOx refers to only NO.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the environmental and human health impacts of nitrogen oxides (NOx)?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Vehicles made after 1974 are required to have catalytic converters.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are primary air pollutants?

<p>All of the above (G)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are secondary air pollutants?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a natural source of air pollution?

<p>All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a natural source of CO2?

<p>Respiration (A), Aerobic decomposition (B), Anaerobic decomposition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is carbon dioxide released?

<p>All living things (plants included) release CO2 through respiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

What releases CO2?

<p>Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria &amp; decomposers in the presence of oxygen releases CO2</p> Signup and view all the answers

What releases CH4 (methane)?

<p>Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria &amp; decomposers in low or oxygen-free conditions releases CH4 (methane)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is particulate matter?

<p>Solid or liquid particles suspended in air</p> Signup and view all the answers

Regarding air pollution, why is it important to write about specific molecules or particles?

<p>To move beyond the general idea of air 'pollution' and focus on the actual pollutants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major source of SO2?

<p>Coal combustion for electricity generation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major effect of CO on humans?

<p>Lethal to humans</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the sources of PM?

<p>FF/biomass combustion</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major effect of O3?

<p>Respiratory irritation, smog, and plant damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants are listed in the Clean Air Act?

<p>All of the above (G)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why isn't CO2 typically included as an air pollutant on FRQ scoring guides?

<p>It does not directly lower air quality from a human health standpoint.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these releases more air pollutants?

<p>Coal combustion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants are released during coal combustion?

<p>All of the above (G)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the impacts of SO2?

<p>All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

NOx refers to nitrogen oxides, both NO and NO2.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the environmental and human health impacts of nitrogen oxides?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the EPA begin phasing out lead from gasoline in 1974?

<p>Because lead damages catalytic converters. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are primary air pollutants?

<p>Pollutants emitted directly from sources like vehicles, power plants, factories, or natural sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of primary air pollutants?

<p>All of the above (H)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are secondary pollutants?

<p>Primary pollutants that have transformed in the presence of sunlight, water, or O2.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of secondary pollutants?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some natural sources of CO2 and PM?

<p>Respiration, natural PM sources, aerobic decomposition, anaerobic decomposition</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does respiration contribute to air pollution?

<p>All living things release CO2 through respiration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List natural PM sources.

<p>Sea salt, pollen, ash from forest fires &amp; volcanoes dust (windborne sooil)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does aerobic decomposition contribute to air pollution?

<p>Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria &amp; decomposers in the presence of oxygen → releases CO2</p> Signup and view all the answers

When writing about air pollutants, what should you focus on?

<p>Specific molecules/particles, not just air 'pollution' as an idea.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Clean Air Act (1970) identify?

<p>6 criteria air pollutants that the EPA is required to set acceptable limits for, monitor, and enforce.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are sources of SO2?

<p>Coal combustion (electricity).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are impacts of PM?

<p>Respiratory irritation and smog.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is O3 created?

<p>Photochemical oxidation of NO3.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of Pb?

<p>Neurotoxicant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutants are listed in the Clean Air Act?

<p>All of the above (G)</p> Signup and view all the answers

CO2 directly lowers air quality from a human health standpoint

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does CO2 lead to?

<p>Earth warming, and thus environmental and human health consequences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which air pollutants should be included on FRQs?

<p>SO2, NOx, O3, PM.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which FF releases more air pollutants?

<p>Coal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Coal combustion releases:

<p>CO, CO2, SO2, NOx toxic metals (mercury, arsenic, lead), and PM (often carries the toxic metals).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does NOx refer to?

<p>Nitrogen oxides (both NO, and NO2).</p> Signup and view all the answers

NO forms when:

<p>N2 combines with O2 (esp. during combustion).</p> Signup and view all the answers

NO can become NO2 by:

<p>Reacting with O3 or O2.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental and human health impacts are the result of combustion?

<p>Respiratory irritant, tropospheric ozone (O3) formation, which leads to photochemical smog, Combines with water &amp; O2 in atm. to form nitric acid which leads to acid precipitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Vehicles made after 1974 are required to have:

<p>Catalytic converters to reduce NOx, CO and hydrocarbon emissions</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact dos lead have on vehicles?

<p>lead damages catalytic converters</p> Signup and view all the answers

Also a known _______ (damages nervous systems of humans)

<p>neurotoxicant</p> Signup and view all the answers

List primary air pollutant examples:

<p>NOx, CO, CO2*, VOCs, SO2, PM, hydrocarbons</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give some examples of secondary pollutants:

<p>Tropospheric O3 (Ozone), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) &amp; sulfate (SO4^2-), Nitric acid (HNO3) &amp; nitrate (NO3-)</p> Signup and view all the answers

List natural sources of air pollution:

<p>Lightning Strikes (Convert N2 in atm. to NOx), forest fires (CO, PM, NOx, Combustion of biomass also releases CO2 &amp; H2O vapor (greenhouse gasses)), dust (sand) storms, plants (esp. conifers) (Plants emit VOCs Ex: terpenes &amp; ethylene from pine, fir, spruce trees This forms natural photochemical smog in smoky mountains) -other metabolic processes, volacanoes (SO2, PM, CO, NOx)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is released from respiration?

<p>CO2</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is released from aerobic decomposition?

<p>CO2</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of particulates:

<p>Smoke (from indoor biomass combustion or cigarettes), dust, and asbestos</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

air pollution basics

Write about specific molecules/particles, not just air "pollution" as an idea. Clean Air Act (1970) identified 6 criteria air pollutants that the EPA is required to set acceptable limits for, monitor, and enforce.

SO2

-sulfur dioxide -coal combustion (electricity) -respiratory irritation -smog -acid precipitation

NOx

-nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) -all FF combustion (gas especially) --O3 -photochem smog -acid precipition

CO

-carbon monoxide -O3 -lethal to humans

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PM

-particulate matter -FF/biomass combustion -respiratory irritation -smog

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O3

-ozone (tropospheric) -photochemical oxidation of NO3 -respiratory irritation -smog -plant damage

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Pb

-lead -metal plant -waste incineraton -neurotoxicant

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pollutants in the clean air act

-SO2 -NOx -CO -PM -O3 -Pb

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air pollutants vs greenhouse gases

CO2 does not directly lower air quality from a human health standpoint. It is a greenhouse gas that leads to earth warming, and thus environmental and human health consequences.

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coal combustion

Releases more air pollutants than other FFs; Releases CO, CO2, SO2, NOx toxic metals (mercury, arsenic, lead), and PM (often carries the toxic metals)

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impacts of SO2

-Respiratory irritant , worsens asthma & bronchitis -Sulfur aerosols block incoming sun, reducing visibility & photosynthesis -Forms sulfurous (grey) smog -Combines with water & O2 to form sulfuric acid → acid precip.

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nitrogen oxides (NOx)

  • Released by combustion of anything, especially FFs & biomass -NOx refers to nitrogen oxides (both NO, and NO2) -NO forms when N2 combines with O2 (esp. during combustion) -NO can become NO2 by reacting with O3 or O2 -sunlight converts NO2 back into NO
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environmental and human health impacts

-Resp. irritant -Leads to tropospheric ozone (O3) formation, which leads to photochemical smog -Combines with water & O2 in atm. to form nitric acid → acid precipitation

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EPA & lead

Before CAA, lead was a common gasoline additive; EPA began phaseout of lead from gasoline in 1974. Vehicles made after 1974 are required to have catalytic converters to reduce NOx, CO and hydrocarbon emissions. Also a known neurotoxicant.

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primary air pollutants

Emitted directly from sources such as vehicles, power plants, factories, or natural sources (volcanoes, forest fires). Includes NOx, CO, CO2*, VOCs, SO2, PM, hydrocarbons

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secondary pollutants

Primary pollutants that have transformed in presence of sunlight, water, O2. Occur more during the day (since sunlight often drives formation). Includes Tropospheric O3 (Ozone), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) & sulfate (SO4^2-), Nitric acid (HNO3) & nitrate (NO3-)

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natural sources of air pollution

-Lightning Strikes (Convert N2 in atm. to NOx) -forest fires (CO, PM, NOx, Combustion of biomass also releases CO2 & H2O vapor -dust storms -plants (esp. conifers) (Plants emit VOCs -volacanoes (SO2, PM, CO, NOx)

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natual sources CO2 and PM

-respiration -natural PM sources -aerobic decomposition -anaerobic decomposition

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respiration

All living things release CO2 through respiration

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natural PM sources

-Sea salt, pollen, ash from forest fires & volcanoes dust (windborne sooil) -Leads to haze (scattering of sunlight & reduced visibility)

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aerobic decomposition

Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria & decomposers in the presence of oxygen → releases CO2

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anaerobic decomposition

Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria & decomposers in low or oxygen-free conditions → releases CH4 (methane)

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particulate matter

Particulate Matter: solid or liquid particles suspended in air. Particulates (PM) are a common indoor air pollutant. Ex: Smoke (from indoor biomass combustion or cigarettes), dust, and asbestos

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Study Notes

  • Air pollutants are specific molecules/particles
  • The Clean Air Act (1970) identified 6 criteria air pollutants
  • The EPA is required to set acceptable limits for, monitor, and enforce these pollutants

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

  • Released from coal combustion for electricity generation
  • Causes respiratory irritation
  • Contributes to smog and acid precipitation

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

  • Includes nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
  • Emitted from all fossil fuel combustion, especially gasoline
  • Leads to ozone formation
  • Causes photochemical smog and acid precipitation

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

  • Results from ozone formation
  • Is lethal to humans

Particulate Matter (PM)

  • Results from fossil fuel and biomass combustion
  • Causes respiratory irritation
  • Contributes to smog

Ozone (O3)

  • Specifically tropospheric ozone
  • Formed by photochemical oxidation of NOx
  • Causes respiratory irritation and smog
  • Damages plants

Lead (Pb)

  • Released from metal plants and waste incineration
  • Is a neurotoxicant

Clean Air Act Pollutants

  • The pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act include: SO2, NOx, CO, PM, O3, and Pb

Air Pollutants vs. Greenhouse Gases

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) is not one of the 6 criteria pollutants in the Clean Air Act
  • CO2 does not directly lower air quality from a human health standpoint
  • CO2 is a greenhouse gas and leads to earth warming, with environmental and human health consequences
  • Key air pollutants include: SO2, NOx, O3, and PM

Coal Combustion

  • Releases more air pollutants than other fossil fuels
  • Accounts for ~35% of global electricity
  • Releases CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, toxic metals (mercury, arsenic, lead), and PM

Impacts of SO2

  • Causes respiratory irritation
  • Sulfur aerosols block incoming sunlight
  • Forms sulfurous (grey) smog
  • Results in acid precipitation

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Formation

  • Released by combustion of fossil fuels and biomass
  • NO forms when N2 combines with O2 during combustion
  • Sunlight converts NO2 back into NO

Environmental and Human Health Impacts of NOx

  • Causes respiratory irritation
  • Leads to tropospheric ozone (O3) formation and photochemical smog
  • Results in acid precipitation

EPA and Lead

  • EPA began phasing out lead from gasoline in 1974
  • Vehicles made after 1974 have catalytic converters to reduce NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions
  • Lead damages catalytic converters
  • Lead is a known neurotoxicant

Primary Air Pollutants

  • Emitted directly from sources such as vehicles, power plants, factories, or natural sources
  • Includes NOx, CO, CO2, VOCs, SO2, PM, and hydrocarbons

Secondary Pollutants

  • Formed when primary pollutants transform in the presence of sunlight, water, or O2
  • Examples include tropospheric O3 (ozone), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3)

Natural Sources of Air Pollution

  • Lightning strikes convert N2 in the atmosphere to NOx
  • Forest fires release CO, PM, NOx, CO2, and H2O vapor
  • Dust storms
  • Plants emit VOCs (e.g., terpenes and ethylene)
  • Volcanoes emit SO2, PM, CO, and NOx

Natural Sources of CO2 and PM

  • Respiration
  • Natural PM sources
  • Aerobic decomposition
  • Anaerobic decomposition

Respiration

  • All living things release CO2 through respiration

Natural PM Sources

  • Include sea salt, pollen, ash from forest fires and volcanoes, and windborne soil
  • Leads to haze (scattering of sunlight & reduced visibility)

Aerobic Decomposition

  • Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria in the presence of oxygen
  • Releases CO2

Anaerobic Decomposition

  • Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria in low or oxygen-free conditions
  • Releases CH4 (methane)

Particulate Matter

  • Solid or liquid particles suspended in air
  • Common indoor air pollutants include smoke, dust, and asbestos

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