Chapter 12 Air Pollution

What pollutant forms when automobile emissions react with oxygen gas and ultraviolet rays?

• ozone

• radon

• carbon dioxide

• sulfur dioxide

All of the following are primary air pollutants except

• carbon monoxide

• nitric acid

• sulfur oxides.

• VOCs.

Two-thirds of the sulfur dioxide that pollutes the air is produced by

• a. automobile exhaust.

• b.industrial boilers

• c. electric power plants.

• d. catalytic converters.

Which type of building would most likely have poor indoor air quality?

• a. one in a cool climate with a good ventilation system

• b. one in an urban area where windows are often open

• c. one that is tightly sealed and air-conditioned

• d. one that has not been repainted or recarpeted in several years

Which of the following pH measurements of rainwater would indicate acid precipitation?

• a. pH 12

• b. pH 4.1

• c. pH 7.3

• d. pH 9.6

Which of the following contributes most to acid precipitation?

• a. burning of fossil fuels

• b. ethanol

• c. radon and ozone

• d. All of the above

As a lake becomes more acidic, fish are harmed not only by the acidity but also by substances that leach out of the soil into the water. Which of these toxic substances is leached when conditions are acidic?

• a. copper

• b. iron

• c. calcium

• d. aluminum

Activities such as construction and agriculture are primary sources of

• a. hydrocarbons.

• b. volatile organic compounds.

• c. nitrogen oxides.

• d. particulate matter.

The automobile’s contribution to air pollution includes

• a. water vapor released during combustion.

• b. fumes that escape when the gas tank is filled.

• c. nitrogen oxides emitted in exhaust.

• d. Both (b) and (c)

Which of the following pollutants is most likely to reach unhealthy levels inside an office building?

• a. VOCs found in the building’s foam insulation

• b. particulates such as dust

• c. sulfur dioxide emitted in the exhaust of nearby traffic

• d. watervapor released by human respiration