Intro to Air Pollution

Front

What is carbon monoxide?

Back

A colorless, odorless gas that is a significant air pollutant, primarily produced by burning fossil fuels.

Front

What pollutants are known to cause acid rain?

Back

Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide (sulfur compounds) are the primary pollutants that lead to acid rain.

Front

Which city is known for experiencing the worst levels of photochemical smog?

Back

Los Angeles, California regularly experiences severe photochemical smog, especially during thermal inversions.

Front

What is the primary source of atmospheric mercury?

Back

Coal burning power plants are the major source of atmospheric mercury.

Front

What are particulate matter?

Back

Particulate matter includes dust, ash, and pollen, which are tiny particles suspended in the air.

Front

Define air pollution.

Back

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that can affect human health and the environment.

Front

What is ground-level ozone?

Back

Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides.

Front

What is a thermal inversion?

Back

A thermal inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground, preventing them from dispersing.

Front

What are nitrogen oxides?

Back

Nitrogen oxides are a group of gases that are produced from burning fossil fuels and contribute to air pollution and the formation of smog.

Front

What is sulfur dioxide?

Back

Sulfur dioxide is a gas produced by volcanic eruptions and industrial processes, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, and it can lead to acid rain.