Activity 3.3.1 Air Pollution
Air Pollution Basics
Sulfur Pollutants:
SO2 is a type of sulfur pollutant that is often found in the air. It is a colorless gas with a strong smell that comes from burning coal, oil, and other fossil fuels, as well as from volcanoes. SO2 oxidizes relatively slowly. SO2 is typically more harmful to plants than it is to humans and animals, but it can still cause consequences. According to the text, long-term exposure to sulfur dioxide can have negative effects on human health, such as an increased risk of respiratory and circulatory diseases. “However, some people are relatively sensitive to SO2, and concentrations less than 1 ppm (2.6 mg/m3 ) may cause them to suffer asthma or other distresses related to impaired lung function” (Freedman, 2018.) About half of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide emissions come from burning fossil fuels.
Nitrogen Pollutants:
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) is a type of nitrogen pollutant that comes from burning things like fossil fuels, cars, and power plants. One nitrogen pollutant is ozone, which can have many consequences. Ozone is a big problem for plants across massive areas. O3 might make it harder for plants to produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which would lower their success in growing. O3 may irritate and damage the eyes and lungs, which can cause humans and other animals who are sensitive to it to have lower lung function in certain cases.
Hydrocarbon and Volatile Organic Compound Pollutants:
According to the text, hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds are secondary pollutants that are created in the atmosphere. High levels of ozone precursors like nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons are released in areas like cities. When they move to rural areas with a lot of agricultural or plant life, they can do a lot of ecological damage to the environment. Additionally, they can also cause health problems in both humans and animals.
Comparison of current AQI
AQI explained
According to the reading, the Air Quality Index tracks daily air quality in various locations and displays the data along with the health risks that come with breathing polluted air. It includes short-term health risks associated with inhaling dirty air for a few hours or days. Five primary air contaminants are calculated with the Air Quality Index. Increased air pollution and health risks could result from a higher Air Quality Index. AQI is divided into six different categories.
The chart above displays different Air quality index levels of different locations in the country. At the time, the highest AQI score was Albany, Georgia. Both San Antonio and Los Angeles were listed as good, while Albany was listed as moderate at the time.
Comparison of Current PM2.5 and O3 to EPA Standards
What is PM2.5 and O3
According to the reading, PM2.5 is a type of particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 microns or less. PM2.5 is bad for people's health because it is made up of small, light particles that stay in the air for longer and can even get into the bloodstream. Exposure to fine particles has been linked to heart and lung diseases that can cause premature death in people as well as to chronic diseases like breathing problems.
O3 is also known as ozone. When present at ground level, it can be extremely hazardous to human health, causing eye and lung irritation. It can also cause environmental damage and harm plants.
Comparison of Current PM2.5 and O3 to EPA Standards
References:
AirNow Interactive Map. AirNow Interactive Map. https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/
AQI Basics | AirNow.gov. (2022, August 4). AQI Basics | AirNow.gov. https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/
Current Ozone 1-Hour Levels. Current Ozone 1-Hour Levels. (2023) https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/select_curlev.pl
Latest Hourly PM-2.5 Levels. (2023) Latest Hourly PM-2.5 Levels. https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/select_curlev.pl?user_param=88502
Freedman, B. (2018). Environmental science: A Canadian perspective. Halifax, Canada: Dalhousie University Libraries.
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