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Questions and Answers
What are the six major air pollutants?
Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb)
What distinguishes primary pollutants from secondary pollutants?
Ozone is considered a primary pollutant.
False
What is the largest source of carbon monoxide (CO) today?
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Which of the following is NOT a primary pollutant?
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What factors affect air pollution?
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The administrative order that discusses air quality and regulations related to air pollution control is DAO ____.
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What is acid mist?
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Study Notes
Air Pollution
- Air pollution affects humans and is linked to weather conditions
- London Fog (1952): smoke pollution killed over 4,000 people
- Primary pollutants: released directly from identifiable sources
- Secondary pollutants: formed from chemical reactions between primary pollutants in the atmosphere
Major Air Pollutants
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Particulate Matter (PM): solid or liquid particles, including smoke, dust, aerosols, metallic oxides, and pollen
- PM10: particles smaller than 10μm in diameter
- PM2.5: particles smaller than 2.5μm in diameter
- Sources of PM: combustion, factories, construction, demolition, agriculture, vehicles, and wood burning
- Health impacts of PM: chronic respiratory disease, eye irritation, asthma, bronchitis, lung damage, cancer, heavy metal poisoning, cardiovascular problems
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2): colorless gas with a suffocating odor
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): reddish-brown gas with a sharp odor
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Carbon monoxide (CO): odorless, colorless gas
- Major source of CO: motor vehicles
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Lead (Pb):
- Major source of Pb: leaded gasoline
- Levels have decreased significantly due to the elimination of lead in gasoline
Ozone (O3)
- A secondary pollutant, formed by photochemical reactions involving NOX and VOCs
- Major source of VOCs: automobiles
- Ozone concentrations peak in the afternoon
- Effects: eye irritation, aggravation of respiratory diseases, damage to plants and animals
Smog
- Photochemical smog: a mixture of gases and particles formed by sunlight-induced reactions in the atmosphere
- Key component: Ozone
Factors Affecting Air Pollution
- Amount of harmful emissions: greater emissions lead to more pollution
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Atmospheric conditions:
- Wind strength: influences the mixing of pollution with clean air
- Air stability: temperature inversions can trap pollution in polluted areas
DENR Administrative Order No. 14 (1993)
- Addresses air quality and pollution control regulations in the Philippines
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Key terms:
- Acid Mist: minute liquid droplets of any acid
- Air Pollutant or Air Impurity or Air Contaminant: any substance in the atmosphere other than oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and inert gases
- Air Pollutant Source or Source: any identifiable equipment emitting pollutants into the atmosphere
- Airborne Dust: solid particles released into or carried by the atmosphere
- Control Equipment: apparatus separating air impurities from their gas medium or limiting/reducing air pollutants
- Fly Ash: solid particulate matter carried by gas, comprised of fused ash and/or partially burned materials
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Description
Explore the critical aspects of air pollution, including its effects on health and weather. Learn about major pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and their sources, along with historical contexts like the London Fog incident. This knowledge is essential for understanding environmental challenges.