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 main sources of air pollution?

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Main sources include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, burning of fossil fuels, and natural sources like wildfires and volcanic eruptions.

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What is smog?

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Smog is a type of air pollution that is a mixture of smoke and fog, often exacerbated by temperature inversions.

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What is a temperature inversion?

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A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, preventing pollutants from dispersing.

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What is acid rain?

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Acid rain is precipitation that is significantly more acidic than normal, primarily caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.

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What is the role of sulfur dioxide in air pollution?

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Sulfur dioxide is a key pollutant that contributes to the formation of acid rain and can cause respiratory problems.

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What is carbon dioxide's role in global warming?

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Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

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What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

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VOCs are organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air and contribute to air pollution and the formation of smog.

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What is photochemical smog?

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Photochemical smog is a type of air pollution formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants like NOx and VOCs, leading to the formation of ozone at ground level.

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What are catalytic converters?

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Catalytic converters are devices used in vehicles to reduce harmful emissions by converting pollutants into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere.