ES Unit 8 - Air Pollution

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What is air pollution?

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Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, which can have adverse effects on human health, the environment, and the climate.

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What are the primary sources of air pollution?

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Primary sources include natural sources (like wildfires and volcanic eruptions) and human activities (like industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning fossil fuels).

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What is acid rain?

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Acid rain is precipitation that contains high levels of sulfuric and nitric acids, formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water vapor in the atmosphere.

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What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

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CFCs are man-made compounds used in refrigeration and aerosol propellants that deplete the ozone layer.

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How does air pollution affect human health?

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Air pollution can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and can exacerbate conditions like asthma.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

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What is the relationship between climate change and biodiversity?

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Climate change can lead to habitat loss, altered ecosystems, and increased extinction rates, thereby decreasing biodiversity.

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What is smog?

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Smog is a type of air pollution that combines smoke and fog, often resulting from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.

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What are particulate matter (PM) pollutants?

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Particulate matter consists of tiny particles or droplets in the air that can penetrate the respiratory system and cause health issues.

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What is thermal inversion?

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Thermal inversion is a weather phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to increased air pollution.