7.1 Introduction to Air Pollution

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Vocabulary

• Primary Pollutants
• Secondary Pollutants
• NOx
• SOx
• COx
• Clean Air Act
• Hydrocarbons
• Particulates

Coal and Fossil Fuels

Primary and Secondary Pollutants

Primary Pollutants

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and natural gas. It is a primary pollutant that can have serious health effects, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and death.

• Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that is produced by the burning of fossil fuels and the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere. It is a primary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas that is produced by the burning of fossil fuels and the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere. It is a primary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter. It can also have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory problems.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a gas that is produced by the burning of fossil fuels that contain sulfur, such as coal and oil. It is a primary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of particulate matter and acid rain. It can also have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory problems.
• Ammonia (NH3) is a gas that is produced by the breakdown of organic matter and the use of fertilizers. It is a primary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of particulate matter and the degradation of air quality. It can also have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory problems.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that evaporate easily at room temperature and can contribute to air pollution. They are emitted by a variety of sources, including industrial processes, paints, and cleaning products. VOCs are a primary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter. They can also have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory problems and cancer.
• Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets that are suspended in the air. It is a primary pollutant that can have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease. PM can be emitted by a variety of sources, including power plants, industrial processes, and transportation. It is classified by size, with PM10 being particles that are 10 micrometers or smaller in diameter, and PM2.5 being particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. PM2.5 is particularly harmful because it is small enough to be inhaled and can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

Secondary Pollutants

• Sulfur trioxide (SO3) is a gas that is produced by the burning of fossil fuels that contain sulfur, such as coal and oil. It can react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid, which is a secondary pollutant.
• Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong acid that is produced by the reaction of sulfur trioxide with water vapor in the atmosphere. It is a secondary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of particulate matter and acid rain.
• Nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong acid that is produced by the reaction of nitrogen dioxide with water vapor in the atmosphere. It is a secondary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of particulate matter and acid rain.
• Ozone (O3) is a gas that is produced by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. It is a secondary pollutant that can have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory problems.
• Ammonium (NH4) is a compound that is produced by the reaction of ammonia with acids in the atmosphere. It is a secondary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of particulate matter.
• Particulate matter (PM) is described above.

Air Quality