Primary Pollutants

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Primary Pollutants

• Air Pollution the contamination of the
  atmosphere by the introduction of pollutants from
  human and natural sources.
• Primary Pollutant - Pollutants that are put
  directly into the air by human or natural
  activity are primary pollutants.
• Examples
• 1. dust, volcanic ash, smoke, pollen, vehicle
  exhaust, carbon monoxide

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Secondary Pollutants

• Secondary Pollutants - Pollutants that form when
  primary pollutants react with other primary
  pollutants or with naturally occurring
  substances, such as water vapor, are secondary
  pollutants.
• Examples
• ground-level ozone, smog, acid rain
• Smog forms when ozone and vehicle exhaust react
  with sunlight.

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Human vs. Natural Air Pollution

• Natural Sources Human
• 1. dust 1. smog
• 2. pollen 2. acid rain
• 3. volcanic ash 3. ground- level ozone

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Sources of Human-Caused Air Pollution

• Industrial Air Pollution - Many industrial plants
  and electric power plants burn fossil fuels, such
  as coal, to produce energy. Burning fossil fuels
  releases air pollutants.
• Indoor Air Pollution can be reduced by
  ventilation the mixing of indoor air with
  outdoor air.

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Acid Precipitation

• Acid Precipitation rain, sleet, or snow that
  contains a high concentration of acids.
• Acid Precipitation and Plants Acid precipitation
  increases the acidity of soil, which causes some
  nutrients necessary for plant growth to dissolve.
• The Effects of Acid Precipitation of Forests In
  some areas of the world, acid precipitation has
  damaged large areas of forest.
• Acid Precipitation and Aquatic Ecosystems Acid
  rain can cause a rapid increase in waters
  acidity, which leads to acid shock.

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Ozone Hole

• Thinning Ozone CFCs destroy ozone, creating a
  hole in the ozone layer.
• Cooperation to Reduce the Ozone Hole Many
  countries have agreed to take swift action to
  control CFC use. It will still take many years,
  though, for the ozone layer to recover.

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Air Pollution and Human Health

• Air Pollution Is Harmful Daily exposure to small
  amounts of air pollution can cause serious health
  problems.

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Cleaning Up Air Pollution

• Controlling Air Pollution from Industry The Clean
  Air Act requires many industries to use
  pollution-control devices such as scrubbers.
• The Allowance Trading System The Allowance
  Trading System was established by the EPA to give
  companies set allowances for the amount of
  pollution they may release.
• Reducing Air Pollution from Vehicles The EPA
  requires car makers to meet a certain standard
  for vehicle exhaust.