Air Pollution

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What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

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VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature, which means they can easily evaporate into the air. They are found in many products, including paints, solvents, and fuels, and can contribute to air pollution.

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What is ground-level ozone?

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Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant formed when VOCs and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the presence of sunlight. It can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

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What is the Clean Air Act?

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The Clean Air Act is a U.S. federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level. It has led to significant improvements in air quality over the past few decades.

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What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

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CFCs are man-made compounds used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. They are known to deplete the ozone layer.

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How do CFCs affect the ozone layer?

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CFCs release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which catalyze the breakdown of ozone (O3) into oxygen (O2), leading to ozone depletion.

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What is a wet scrubber?

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A wet scrubber is an air pollution control device that removes pollutants from industrial exhaust by passing the gas through a liquid, usually water. It is effective for removing small toxic particles but can create water disposal issues.

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What is acid rain?

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Acid rain is precipitation that has a lower pH than normal, often caused by sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions that react with water in the atmosphere.

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What is the significance of the ozone layer?

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The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

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What is the difference between primary and secondary pollutants?

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Primary pollutants are directly emitted into the atmosphere (e.g., CO2, NOx), while secondary pollutants are formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere (e.g., ground-level ozone).

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What are nitrogen oxides (NOx)?

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NOx refers to a group of gases that are composed of nitrogen and oxygen. They are produced from vehicle emissions and industrial processes and contribute to air pollution and the formation of smog.