Types and Causes of Air Pollution

1. Chapter 19 Section 3 Pages 530 - 536 Types and Causes of Air Pollution

2. What Causes Air Pollution? • Air pollution comes from Human and Natural Resources. • Human: Industry, construction, transportation and agriculture • Natural: Ash and toxic gases from volcanic eruptions, smoke from forest fires or grass fires

3. Primary and Secondary Pollutants • Primary pollutants – pollutants released directly into the air. • Smoke from smokestacks, ash and toxic gases from volcanoes, soot from trucks. • Secondary pollutants – pollutants not released directly into the air, but for in the atmosphere. • Smog, or brown haze that you see near cities

4. Smog • Typically a mixture of smoke and fog. • BUT near cities it is called Photochemical Smog. • They form when nitrogen and organic compounds mix with sunlight.

5. Acid Rain • Rain with a pH below 5.6. • Formed when power plants burn fossil fuels, and pollutants are released into the air and mix with the moisture. • Can discolor painted surfaces, corrode metals and damage concrete structures.

6. Particulate Pollution • Particulate matter: solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. • Coarse Particulates: particles carried in the air from dusty, unpaved roads, construction sites, etc. • You can see these if enough is in the air. • Fine Particulates: very small in size. Released into the air from fires, exhaust, and factories. • Can damage plants, building and harm your lungs

7. Toxic Pollutants • Pollutants in the air that can cause cancer or other serious human health problems. • There are more than 180 substances releases as toxic air pollutants