Air Pollution
Ξ April 20th, 2008 | → | ∇ General |
Air Pollution
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The human introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulates, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damage the environment is called Air Pollution. Air pollution is often identified with major stationary sources, but the greatest source of emissions is actually mainly from automobiles.
As the years go by there are more and more automobiles and even though some states are more strict than others air pollution from autos can certainly increase.
There are many substances in the air which may impair the health of plants and animals (including humans), or reduce visibility. These arise both from natural processes and human activity. Substances not naturally found in the air or at greater concentrations or in different locations from usual are referred to as pollutants.
Pollutants can be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary pollutants are substances emitted directly such as ash from a volcanic eruption or carbon monoxide gas from an automobile or truck exhaust. Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. They form in the air when primary pollutants react or interact.
A few major man made causes of primary pollutants include:
* Carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas emitted from combustion.
* Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Vehicle exhaust is a major source.
* Sulfur oxides (SOx) especially sulfur dioxide from burning coal and oil.
* Nitrogen oxides (NOx) especially nitrogen dioxide seen as the brown haze above cities.
* Toxic metals, such as lead, cadmium and copper.
* Ammonia (NH3) emitted from agricultural processes.
* Volatile organic compounds (VOC), such as hydrocarbon fuel vapors and solvents.
* Particulate matter (PM), measured as smoke and dust.
* Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), harmful to the ozone layer.
* Radioactive pollutants from nuclear explosions and war explosives, and natural radon.
Secondary pollutants include:
* Particulates from gaseous primary pollutants and compounds in smog,i.e. nitrogen dioxide.
* Ground level ozone (O3) formed from NOx and VOCs.
* Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) similarly formed from NOx and VOCs.
There are various air pollution control technologies and urban planning strategies used to reduce air pollution.
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