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Air Pollution II Air Pollution II

Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

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Page 1: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Air Pollution IIAir Pollution II

Page 2: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Types of Air PollutantsTypes of Air Pollutants

Carbon Oxides

Hydrocarbons

Nitrogen Oxides

Sulfur Oxides

Suspended Particulate Material

Ozone (in troposphere)

Page 3: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Carbon OxidesCarbon Oxides

Top two products of pollution. Produced by motor vehicles Top two products of pollution. Produced by motor vehicles and industries, especially power plants.and industries, especially power plants.

Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO(CO22)) andand carbon monoxide carbon monoxide (CO)(CO)

Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide - most influential greenhouse gas.- most influential greenhouse gas.

Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide - reduces the body’s ability to - reduces the body’s ability to transport oxygen. (Also linked to ozone production).transport oxygen. (Also linked to ozone production).

Page 4: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Carbon OxidesCarbon Oxides

Page 5: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Carbon MonoxideCarbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide results from incomplete combustion of Carbon monoxide results from incomplete combustion of fuel and is emitted directly from vehicle tailpipes. fuel and is emitted directly from vehicle tailpipes. Incomplete combustion is most likely to occur at low air-to-Incomplete combustion is most likely to occur at low air-to-fuel ratios in the engine. fuel ratios in the engine.

These conditions are common during vehicle starting when These conditions are common during vehicle starting when air supply is restricted ("choked"), when cars are not tuned air supply is restricted ("choked"), when cars are not tuned properly, and at altitude, where "thin" air effectively properly, and at altitude, where "thin" air effectively reduces the amount of oxygen available for combustion reduces the amount of oxygen available for combustion (except in cars that are designed or adjusted to compensate (except in cars that are designed or adjusted to compensate for altitude). for altitude).

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Hydrocarbons (Organic Compounds)Hydrocarbons (Organic Compounds)MethaneMethane - - From crops, gas drilling, landfills, cattle, From crops, gas drilling, landfills, cattle,

termites. Important greenhouse gas, so affects global termites. Important greenhouse gas, so affects global climate changeclimate change.

Non-Methane Hydrocarbons - Non-Methane Hydrocarbons - Produced by vehicles and Produced by vehicles and other causes of fuel combustion. Causes other causes of fuel combustion. Causes photo-photo-chemical smogchemical smog, cancer-causing, respiratory tract , cancer-causing, respiratory tract irritants, and some mutagens. irritants, and some mutagens.

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VOCs are generated by power plants, municipal VOCs are generated by power plants, municipal waste combustors, motor vehicles, solvent use, and waste combustors, motor vehicles, solvent use, and the chemical and food industries. They are also the chemical and food industries. They are also emitted from natural sources like forests. emitted from natural sources like forests.

VOCs in the atmosphere have two major health VOCs in the atmosphere have two major health impacts: some are directly toxic, and they can impacts: some are directly toxic, and they can combine with nitrogen oxides to form ozone.combine with nitrogen oxides to form ozone.

Hydrocarbons (VOCs)Hydrocarbons (VOCs)

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Global Distillation EffectGlobal Distillation Effect

Hazardous air pollutants, such as DDT and PCBs are moved Hazardous air pollutants, such as DDT and PCBs are moved globally by atmospheric transport. globally by atmospheric transport.

PersistentPersistent and and VolatileVolatile, so , so transported by transported by water cycle. water cycle.

Pristine areas have Pristine areas have dangerous levels dangerous levels of persistent of persistent toxins.toxins.

Page 10: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Nitrogen OxidesNitrogen OxidesNitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NONitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO22), and nitrous oxide ), and nitrous oxide

(N(N22O). Produced by vehicles and industries. Inhibits plant O). Produced by vehicles and industries. Inhibits plant

growth, aggravate health problems. growth, aggravate health problems.

Involved in: Involved in: (1) acid deposition(1) acid deposition(2) global warming(2) global warming(3) ozone depletion(3) ozone depletion(4) photochemical smog(4) photochemical smog

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Nitrogen OxidesNitrogen Oxides

NOx, is the generic term for a group of highly reactive NOx, is the generic term for a group of highly reactive gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts. amounts.

Many of the nitrogen oxides are colorless and odorless. Many of the nitrogen oxides are colorless and odorless. However, one common pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NOHowever, one common pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO

22) )

along with particles in the air can often be seen as a along with particles in the air can often be seen as a reddish-brown layer over many urban areas.reddish-brown layer over many urban areas.

NOx and the pollutants formed from NOx can be NOx and the pollutants formed from NOx can be transported over long distances, following the pattern of transported over long distances, following the pattern of prevailing winds in the U.S.prevailing winds in the U.S.

Page 12: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Nitrogen OxidesNitrogen Oxides

Ground-level Ozone (Smog) - is formed when NOx and Ground-level Ozone (Smog) - is formed when NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of heat and sunlight. Children, people with lung diseases of heat and sunlight. Children, people with lung diseases such as asthma, and people who work or exercise outside such as asthma, and people who work or exercise outside are susceptible to adverse effects such as damage to lung are susceptible to adverse effects such as damage to lung tissue and reduction in lung function.tissue and reduction in lung function.

NOx and sulfur dioxide react with other substances in the NOx and sulfur dioxide react with other substances in the air to form acids which fall to earth as rain, fog, snow or air to form acids which fall to earth as rain, fog, snow or dry particles. Some may be carried by wind for hundreds dry particles. Some may be carried by wind for hundreds of miles.of miles.

Page 13: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Nitrogen OxidesNitrogen Oxides

NOx reacts with ammonia, moisture, and other compounds NOx reacts with ammonia, moisture, and other compounds to form nitric acid and related particles. to form nitric acid and related particles.

Human health concerns include effects on breathing and Human health concerns include effects on breathing and the respiratory system, damage to lung tissue, and the respiratory system, damage to lung tissue, and premature death. premature death.

Small particles penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the Small particles penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease such as lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease such as emphysema and bronchitis, and aggravate existing heart emphysema and bronchitis, and aggravate existing heart disease. disease.

Page 14: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Nitrogen OxidesNitrogen Oxides

Increased nitrogen loading in water bodies, particularly Increased nitrogen loading in water bodies, particularly coastal estuaries, upsets the chemical balance of nutrients coastal estuaries, upsets the chemical balance of nutrients used by aquatic plants and animals. used by aquatic plants and animals.

Additional nitrogen accelerates "eutrophication," which Additional nitrogen accelerates "eutrophication," which leads to oxygen depletion and reduces fish and shellfish leads to oxygen depletion and reduces fish and shellfish populations. populations.

One member of the NOx, nitrous oxide, is a greenhouse One member of the NOx, nitrous oxide, is a greenhouse gas. gas.

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Sulfur OxidesSulfur Oxides

Produced by fossil fuel burning, industry, biomass Produced by fossil fuel burning, industry, biomass burning. Sulfur oxides dissolve easily in water.burning. Sulfur oxides dissolve easily in water.

Sulfur dioxideSulfur dioxide - involved in acid deposition; corrodes - involved in acid deposition; corrodes metals and damages stone, irritates respiratory metals and damages stone, irritates respiratory system. (SOsystem. (SO22 reacts with reacts with

enzymes, impairing enzymes, impairing their functions.)their functions.)

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Sulfur OxidesSulfur Oxides

SOSO22 can be transported over long distances. can be transported over long distances.

SOSO22 and the pollutants formed from SO and the pollutants formed from SO

22, such as , such as

sulfate particles, can be transported over long sulfate particles, can be transported over long distances and deposited far from the point of distances and deposited far from the point of origin.origin.

SOSO22 contributes to respiratory illness, particularly contributes to respiratory illness, particularly

in children and the elderly, and aggravates in children and the elderly, and aggravates existing heart and lung diseases.existing heart and lung diseases.

Page 17: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Effects of Sulfur DioxideEffects of Sulfur Dioxide

Page 18: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Sulfur OxidesSulfur Oxides

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Page 20: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Suspended Particulate MaterialsSuspended Particulate MaterialsDustDust - Produced by construction, industry and vehicles. - Produced by construction, industry and vehicles.

Inhaled into respiratory system, it can cause health Inhaled into respiratory system, it can cause health problems, including scarring lungs and cancer.problems, including scarring lungs and cancer.

Page 21: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Inversion LayersInversion Layers

When air near the ground is When air near the ground is colder than the air above itcolder than the air above it, the , the pollution stays trapped in near the ground. pollution stays trapped in near the ground.

Occurs (1) when a high pressure system stallsOccurs (1) when a high pressure system stalls, , (2) in cities in (2) in cities in valleys, near the coast or surrounded by mountains.valleys, near the coast or surrounded by mountains.

Page 22: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Dust DomesDust DomesHigh concentration of fuel combustion and heat from High concentration of fuel combustion and heat from concrete (concrete (urban heat islandsurban heat islands).).

Causes Causes particulates particulates to be trapped to be trapped in a dome in a dome over the city over the city because the because the air is warmer air is warmer than the than the surrounding surrounding area.area.

Page 23: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

OzoneOzoneOzoneOzone = secondary pollutant. Caused by nitrogen oxides = secondary pollutant. Caused by nitrogen oxides

and carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and light. and carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and light.

Component of Component of photochemical photochemical smog;smog; reacts reacts with cell with cell components, components, destroying destroying cells - cells - emphysema.emphysema.

Page 24: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

OzoneOzone

Ground-level ozoneGround-level ozone, the major component of smog, is the , the major component of smog, is the most pervasive outdoor air pollutant in the U.S. most pervasive outdoor air pollutant in the U.S.

Ozone is largely formed from volatile organic compounds Ozone is largely formed from volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. and nitrogen oxides.

Exposure to elevated ozone levels can cause severe Exposure to elevated ozone levels can cause severe coughing, shortness of breath, pain when breathing, lung coughing, shortness of breath, pain when breathing, lung and eye irritation, and greater susceptibility to respiratory and eye irritation, and greater susceptibility to respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Page 25: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

OzonatorsOzonators

Spring Air Ozonators provide Spring Air Ozonators provide mountain fresh air anywhere you like, mountain fresh air anywhere you like, anytime your like.anytime your like.(NEW!! REAL WOOD CABINET - not (NEW!! REAL WOOD CABINET - not pine but real oak, cherry, walnut.pine but real oak, cherry, walnut.Produces Ozone through Corona Produces Ozone through Corona DischargeDischarge

Page 26: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Estimated fluxes of pollutants and trace gases to the atmosphere Annual Flux *

Type Sources Natural AnthropogenicCO2

(carbondioxide)

Respiration, fossil fuel burning, landclearing, industrialprocesses

370,000 23,900**

CH4

(methane)Rice paddies and wetlands, gas

drilling, landfills, animals,termites

155 350

CO(carbonmonoxide)

Incomplete combustion, CH4oxidation, biomass burning,plant metabolism

1,580 930

NMHC(non-methanehydrocarbons)

Fossil fuels, industrial uses, plantisoprenes and otherbiogenics

860 92

NOx(nitrogenoxides)

Fossil fuel burning, lightning,biomass burning, soilmicrobes

90 140

SOx(sulfur oxides)

Fossil fuel burning, industry,biomass burning, volcanoes,oceans

35 79

SPM(suspendedparticulatematerials)

Biomass burning, dust, sea salt,biogenic aerosols, gas toparticle conversion

583 362

* Millions of metric tons per year.

**About half of is this is taken up again by plant photosynthesis, while the restaccumulates in the atmosphere.

Page 27: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Greenhouse Gases and Global Greenhouse Gases and Global WarmingWarming

Page 28: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Greenhouse Gases and Global Greenhouse Gases and Global WarmingWarming

Each greenhouse gas differs in its ability to absorb heat in Each greenhouse gas differs in its ability to absorb heat in the atmosphere. Methane traps over 21 times more heat the atmosphere. Methane traps over 21 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide per molecule than carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide absorbs 270 times more heat per molecule than carbon absorbs 270 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide. dioxide.

All of the major greenhouse gases have increased in All of the major greenhouse gases have increased in concentration since the beginning of the industrial concentration since the beginning of the industrial revolution. As a result of these higher concentrations,revolution. As a result of these higher concentrations,global mean surface air temperature has increased between global mean surface air temperature has increased between approximately 0.3 and 0.6ºC (0.5 and 1.1ºF) since the late approximately 0.3 and 0.6ºC (0.5 and 1.1ºF) since the late 19th century.19th century.

Page 29: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Greenhouse Gases and Global Greenhouse Gases and Global WarmingWarming

Possible consequences of global warming include:Possible consequences of global warming include:

1.1. A rise in sea levels that could threaten island and coastal A rise in sea levels that could threaten island and coastal communities.communities.

2.2. A more vigorous hydrological cycle that may increase A more vigorous hydrological cycle that may increase the severity of floods and droughts and cause more the severity of floods and droughts and cause more extreme rainfall events.extreme rainfall events.

3.3. Ecological change that could threaten agricultural Ecological change that could threaten agricultural productivity and the survival of natural forests.productivity and the survival of natural forests.

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Children Are Especially At Risk To Children Are Especially At Risk To Air PollutionAir Pollution

Children have twice the Children have twice the metabolic rate of adults, so they metabolic rate of adults, so they breathe more to get oxygen breathe more to get oxygen exposed to more to pollution. exposed to more to pollution.

Their lungs are developing, so Their lungs are developing, so pollution can restrict lung pollution can restrict lung development.development.

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Smoking As PollutionSmoking As PollutionSmoking is a ‘portable’ mixture of air pollutants. Cigarette Smoking is a ‘portable’ mixture of air pollutants. Cigarette smoke includes smoke includes hydrocarbonshydrocarbons, , carbon monoxidecarbon monoxide, , cyanidecyanide, , and and particulatesparticulates..

Smoking causes more human health problems (emphysema, Smoking causes more human health problems (emphysema, lung cancer, heart disease, etc.) than all other atmospheric lung cancer, heart disease, etc.) than all other atmospheric pollution.pollution.

Page 34: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Tobacco SmokeTobacco Smoke

Tobacco smoke pollution contains over 4,000 Tobacco smoke pollution contains over 4,000 chemicals; 200 are poisons; 43 cause cancer. Tobacco chemicals; 200 are poisons; 43 cause cancer. Tobacco smoke pollution has been classified by the smoke pollution has been classified by the

Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a known Agency (EPA) as a known cause of cancer in humans cause of cancer in humans (Group A carcinogen).(Group A carcinogen).

Page 35: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Secondhand Tobacco SmokeSecondhand Tobacco Smoke

The EPA estimates that secondhand smoke causes The EPA estimates that secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths and 37,000 approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths and 37,000 heart disease deaths in nonsmokers each year.heart disease deaths in nonsmokers each year.

EPA estimates that secondhand smoke is responsible EPA estimates that secondhand smoke is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age annually, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 of age annually, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year.hospitalizations each year.

Page 36: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Normal lungNormal lung

Lung from baby of Lung from baby of mother who smokesmother who smokes

Page 37: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Secondhand Tobacco SmokeSecondhand Tobacco Smoke

Tobacco smoke pollution can make healthy children less Tobacco smoke pollution can make healthy children less than 18 months of age sick; it can cause pneumonia, ear than 18 months of age sick; it can cause pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, coughing, wheezing and increased infections, bronchitis, coughing, wheezing and increased mucus production. According to the EPA, tobacco smoke mucus production. According to the EPA, tobacco smoke pollution can lead to the buildup of fluid in the middle pollution can lead to the buildup of fluid in the middle ear, the most common cause of hospitalization of children ear, the most common cause of hospitalization of children for an operation.for an operation.

Page 38: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Smoking As PollutionSmoking As Pollution

Lung from non-smoker Lung from non-smoker living in city.living in city.

Lung from smoker Lung from smoker (with cancer).(with cancer).

Page 39: Air Pollution II. Types of Air Pollutants Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Suspended Particulate Material Ozone (in troposphere)

Clean Air ActClean Air Act

EPA. - 1970, 1977, and 1990. The law authorizes the EPA. - 1970, 1977, and 1990. The law authorizes the EPA to set limits on the levels of specific air pollutants EPA to set limits on the levels of specific air pollutants permitted in the U.S. permitted in the U.S.

Lead, particulates, Lead, particulates, sulfur dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and nitrogen oxides, and ozone.ozone.

Lead: 98% decreaseLead: 98% decrease

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Clean Air ActClean Air Act

1990 Amendment to the Clean Air Act:1990 Amendment to the Clean Air Act:

(1)(1) Automobiles must cut emissions by 40 to 60% Automobiles must cut emissions by 40 to 60%

(2)(2) Industries must cut toxic chemicals by 90%, coal Industries must cut toxic chemicals by 90%, coal emissions by 50%.emissions by 50%.

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Clean Air ActClean Air Act

Cities that do not meet the Clean Air Act Cities that do not meet the Clean Air Act recommendations are listed as “nonattainment areas.” recommendations are listed as “nonattainment areas.”

As many as 90 million Americans are currently living in As many as 90 million Americans are currently living in nonattainment areas.nonattainment areas.

Failure to meet standards results in fines (e.g., “… Failure to meet standards results in fines (e.g., “… $5,000, adjusted in accordance with paragraph (3), per $5,000, adjusted in accordance with paragraph (3), per ton of VOC emitted by the source during the calendar ton of VOC emitted by the source during the calendar year in excess of 80 percent of the baseline amount …”) year in excess of 80 percent of the baseline amount …”) or suspension of construction permits.or suspension of construction permits.

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Clean Air ActClean Air Act

Bush “Clear Skies” plan Bush “Clear Skies” plan actually weakens the actually weakens the Clean Air Act by:Clean Air Act by:

1.1. Exempts current power Exempts current power plants from standardsplants from standards

2.2. >500% more mercury >500% more mercury than CAAthan CAA

3.3. 68% more NOx68% more NOx4.4. 225% more Sox225% more Sox5. Restricts the power of states to call for an end to pollution from 5. Restricts the power of states to call for an end to pollution from

upwind sources in other states.upwind sources in other states.6. Delays enforcement of smog and soot regulations until 21156. Delays enforcement of smog and soot regulations until 2115

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Indoor PollutionIndoor Pollution

Common indoor contaminantsContaminant Cause Hazard

Radon Radium, uranium Lung cancerCigarette smoke Smoking Lung cancer, emphysema, etcCarbon monoxide Furnace Dizziness, irregular heartbeat, deathNitrogen dioxide Gas stoves, ovens Headaches, irritated eyesFormaldehyde Furniture/carpet cleaners Eye irritation, nausea, dizzinessOzone Photocopiers Nausea, emphysemaAsbestos Insulation Lung irritation, cancerChloroform Chlorine treated water Cancer

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Indoor PollutionIndoor Pollution

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Indoor PollutionIndoor Pollution

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Sick Building Syndrome - CausesSick Building Syndrome - Causes

Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources - e.g., motor Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources - e.g., motor vehicle exhausts.vehicle exhausts.

Chemical contaminants from indoor sources - e.g., Chemical contaminants from indoor sources - e.g., adhesives, carpeting.adhesives, carpeting.

Biological contaminants – e.g., pollen, bacteria, viruses, and Biological contaminants – e.g., pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds.molds.

Inadequate ventilationInadequate ventilation

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Sick Building Syndrome - CostsSick Building Syndrome - Costs

Illness - fatigue, eye irritation, skin rash, respiratory Illness - fatigue, eye irritation, skin rash, respiratory problems, headaches and nausea.problems, headaches and nausea.

Mary Beth Smuts, a toxicologist with the U.S. Mary Beth Smuts, a toxicologist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, estimates that indoor air Environmental Protection Agency, estimates that indoor air pollution costs corporate America up to $150 billion pollution costs corporate America up to $150 billion annually in lost productivity.annually in lost productivity.

Medical costs in USA exceed $1 billion/year.Medical costs in USA exceed $1 billion/year.

Corrective construction costs exceed $2 billion/year.Corrective construction costs exceed $2 billion/year.

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Sick Building Syndrome – Causes/SolutionsSick Building Syndrome – Causes/SolutionsThe dirty dozen - Twelve indoor air-contamination

sources affecting homes and businesses:

Inadequate maintenance of heating and cooling systems.

Lead paint.

Asbestos.

Car exhaust, pollen, mold, pollution and bird droppings from outside.

New carpet, paint, paneling and furniture.

Carbon monoxide.

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Sick Building Syndrome – Causes/SolutionsSick Building Syndrome – Causes/Solutions

The dirty dozen - Twelve indoor air-contamination The dirty dozen - Twelve indoor air-contamination sources affecting homes and businesses (cont):sources affecting homes and businesses (cont):

Lack of housekeeping.

Pests such as cockroaches and mice.

Cleaning supplies and other household chemicals.

Pollen and plant debris.

Tobacco smoke.

Excess water that allows mold and fungi to grow.Excess water that allows mold and fungi to grow.