Outdoor Air Pollutants

Which pollutant is NOT colorless?

• Tropospheric Ozone (O3)

• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Answer explanation

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas.

Which pollutant has the shortest residence time?

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

• Tropospheric Ozone (O3)

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

• Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs)

Answer explanation

SO2 has the shortest residence time spanning from hours to days.

A pollutant that forms from volcanoes (natural) and burning coal (anthropogenic) is likely...

• Methane (CH4)

• Lead (Pb)

• Tropospheric Ozone (O3)

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Answer explanation

Sulfur dioxide is one of the main pollutants created in volcanic eruptions. Additionally, the main source of anthropogenic pollution of sulfur dioxide is from coal burning (often to create our electricity.)

Particulate matter pieces are essentially just harmful... (hint: think suspended liquid or solid particles in the atmosphere)

Carbon monoxide is considered a...

• Primary Pollutant

• Secondary Pollutant

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Which pollutant lacks an odor?

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Tropospheric Ozone (O3)

• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Answer explanation

Carbon monoxide lacks a smell. The other three pollutants all smell badly.

Please select the EPA Criteria Pollutants below.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Tropospheric Ozone (O3)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Lead (Pb)

• Methane (CH4)

Answer explanation

VOCs are monitored by local/state agencies, but do not have emissions placed on them by the EPA.

Methane, although detrimental to our environment, is not categorized as a criteria pollutant.

A pollutant that forms from the slow burning of trees and moves throughout the environment via hitching rides on clouds is likely a carbon compound.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Brown carbons and carbon monoxide both form from the burning of wood.

Which pollutants are associated with acid rain?

• Hydrogen Halides (from volcanoes)

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which pollutants are associated with smog?

• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

• Tropospheric Ozone (O3)

• Methane (CH4)

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)