Air Pollution

Prepared by: Ken Robin A. Canada

Learning Objective
Atmosphere as a Resource

• Atmospheric Composition
• Nitrogen 78.08%
• Oxygen 20.95%
• Argon 0.93%
• Carbon dioxide 0.04%
• Ecosystem services
• Blocks UV radiation
• Moderates the climate
• Redistributes water in the hydrologic cycle
Definition

• occurs when the air contains gases, dust, fumes or odor in

harmful amounts.

• it is when concentrated gases exceed safe limits.

 Sources:
• mobile sources –
such as cars, buses,
planes, trucks, and
trains

• stationary sources –
such as power plants,
oil refineries,
industrial facilities,
and factories

• area sources – such

as agricultural areas,
cities, and wood
burning fireplaces

• natural sources –
such as wind-blown
dust, wildfires, and
volcanoes
Types of Air Pollution

• Outdoor Air Pollution

Smog Particulates, Acid Rain, Greenhouse Gases

• Indoor Air Pollution

Mold and pollen, Tobacco smoke, Household products and pesticides,
Gases such as radon and carbon monoxide.
 Pollutants…
a substance or energy introduced into the environment that has undesired effects
Primary Air Pollutant

Harmful substance that is emitted directly into the

atmosphere
1. Carbon Monoxide

•colorless, odorless
•produced when carbon does not burn in fossil fuels
•deprives body of O2 causing headaches, fatigue, and impaired
vision
2. Sulfur Dioxide
•present in power plant exhaust
•narrows the airway, causing wheezing and shortness of
breath, especially in those with asthma
3. Nitrogen Dioxide

•reddish, brown gas

•produced when nitric oxide combines with oxygen in the
atmosphere
•present in car exhaust and power plants
•affects lungs and causes wheezing; increases chance of
respiratory infection
 4. Particulate Matter

•present in many sources including fossil fuels, dust, smoke, fog,

etc.
•can build up in respiratory system
•aggravates heart and lung disease; increases risk of respiratory
infection
5. vocs

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain

solids or liquids.
• Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products.
Secondary Air Pollutant

Harmful substance formed in the atmosphere when a

primary air pollutant reacts with substances normally
found in the atmosphere or with other air pollutants
Ground Level Ozone

•at upper level, ozone shields Earth from sun’s harmful UV rays
•at ground level, ozone is harmful pollutants
•formed from car, power and chemical plant exhaust
•irritate respiratory system and asthma; reduces lung function
by inflaming and damaging lining of lungs
Photochemical Smog

TEMPERATURE INVERSION
Any further Questions?