Introduction to Air Pollution

Man And the Environment-Lecture 6

The Atmosphere
1000 Thermosphere Altitude (kilometers)

Atmosphere is divided into four layers according to the mixing of gases and their chemical properties, as well as temperature

80 Mesosphere

50 Stratosphere
16 Ozone layer

Troposphere

Weather
Earth

Composition of the Earths Atmosphere

Gas Nitrogen Oxygen Argon Carbon dioxide Chemical Formula N2 O2 Ar CO2 Other Gases Concentration % by Volume 78.08 20.90 0.934 0.0381

Atmospheric Problems

Air quality Depletion of Ozone layer Increase in earth temperature & Global Warming

Definition of Air Pollution

Air pollution occurs when the air contains
gases, dust, fumes or odour in harmful amounts. Amounts which could be harmful to the health or comfort of humans and animals or which could cause damage to plants and materials.

Sources/Examples of Air Pollution

Air Pollutants
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Carbon Monoxide Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Dioxide Ozone Particulate Material Lead & Other Toxic Heavy Metals Volatile Organic Compounds CO2 & CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

1. Carbon Monoxide

Source: Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, yielding CO instead of CO2 in cars, factories and waste burning. Health Effect: O2 starvation

2. Nitrogen Oxides
Source: Combustion of fossil fuels containing Nitrogen
Effect: Photochemical smog (visibility)
Smoke + Fog

Ozone in the air close to earth (Oxidant): irritate the lungs if

we breathe it

It reacts in the atmosphere to form nitric acid (HNO3):

damage to trees & buildings

Irritate the lungs

Cooking Recipe: Pollutant from cars + NOx + Sun + Humidity Product with color (Grey, brown, yellow) + O3

3. Sulfur Oxides
Source: Combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur (electric utility power plants, cement manufacture, petroleum refining,.)
Effect: Respiratory problems. Acid Rain (H2SO4). Damage to plants & buildings.

4. Ozone
Ozone located in the upper layers of the atmosphere is considered beneficial. It protects us from harmful rays.

Ozone located close to earth is considered harmful

Effect: Chemical Oxidant that cause respiratory problems Damage to plants Reduce crop yield

5. Particulate Matter
Source: Dust, smoke from smoking, fires and factories. (0.1-10 m)
Effect: Respiratory problems Toxic matter: accumulate (smoking)

6. Lead & Other Toxic Heavy Metals

Source: Combustion of fuel containing Lead Effect:

Considered toxic and negatively effect human health & other living beings

7. Volatile Organic Compounds

Example: Benzene and other petroleum products. Effect: Some are toxic Some are flammable

Some has bad smell

8. CO2 & CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

CO2 linked to Global Warming CFCs (old refrigerant gas) linked to depletion of ozone layer Manufacturing was banned by International Agreement
When emitted, they migrate to the upper layers of the atmosphere, where they are eventually broken down, releasing their chlorine. This chlorine then reacts and destroys ozone (hole in the ozone)