Carbon Monoxide (CO)Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that has an affinity for hemoglobin, 210 times that of oxygen. By combining with the hemoglobin in the blood, it inhibits the delivery of oxygen to the body's tissue, thereby causing asphyxia or shortness of breath. The health threat from carbon monoxide is most serious for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease. At much higher levels of exposure, healthy individuals are also affected. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of fuels. Industrial processes contribute to carbon monoxide pollution levels, but the principal source of carbon monoxide in most large urban areas is vehicle emissions. Peak carbon monoxide concentrations typically occur during the colder months of the year when automotive emissions are greater and nighttime inversion conditions are more frequent. Show
Lead (Pb)Lead is a highly toxic metal when ingested or inhaled. It is a suspected carcinogen of the lungs and kidneys and has adverse effects on the cardio, nervous and renal systems. Lead is emitted to the atmosphere by vehicles burning leaded fuel and from certain industrial processes, primarily battery manufacturers and lead smelters. As a result of the reduction in lead in gasoline, metal processing is the major source of lead emissions. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are a class of pollutants formed when fuel is burned at a very high temperature (above 1200 °F), such as in automobiles and power plants. For air pollution purposes, it is composed primarily of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other oxides of nitrogen. Although there is no air quality standard for NOx, it plays a major role in the formation of ground-level ozone in the atmosphere through a complex series of reactions with volatile organic compounds (VOC's). Nitrogen oxides also contribute to deposition of nitrogen in soil and water through acid rain. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a highly toxic, reddish brown gas that is formed through the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) emitted primarily from the combustion of fuels in stationary or transportation sources. It can cause an odorous, brown haze that irritates the eyes and nose, shuts out sunlight and reduces visibility. NO2 acts as a precursor to acidic rain and plays a key role in nitrogen loading of forests and ecosystems. NO2 has been associated with acute effects in sufferers of respiratory disease. Ground-Level Ozone (O3)Ground-level ozone, or photochemical smog, is a secondary pollutant. It is not emitted directly to the atmosphere but rather is formed in the atmosphere by the reactions of other pollutants. Ground-level ozone forms during the summer months, when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) combine and react in the presence of sunlight and warm temperatures. Nitrogen oxides come from burning fossil fuels at power plants, industrial boilers and motor vehicles. VOC's are emitted from a variety of sources, including motor vehicles, chemical plants, refineries and natural (biogenic) sources. Changing weather patterns contribute to yearly differences in ozone concentrations. Ozone and the precursor pollutants that cause ozone also can be transported into an area from pollution sources located hundreds of miles away. Ozone is a strong irritant to the eyes and upper respiratory system. It hampers breathing and also damages crops and man-made materials such as monuments and statues. Particulate Matter (PM)Particulate matter (PM) is the general term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. These particles, which come in a wide range of sizes, may be emitted directly by a source or formed in the atmosphere. The sizes and types of different particulate matter are explained below.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)Sulfur dioxide is a gaseous pollutant that is emitted primarily by industrial furnaces or power plants burning coal or oil containing sulfur. The major health effects associated with high exposures to sulfur dioxide include effects on breathing and respiratory illness symptoms. The population most sensitive to sulfur dioxide includes asthmatics and individuals with chronic lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Sulfur dioxide damages trees, plants and agricultural crops and acts as a precursor to acid rain. Finally, sulfur dioxide can accelerate the corrosion of natural and man-made materials that are used in buildings and monuments, as well as paper, iron-containing metals, zinc and other protective coatings. What is the largest contributor to sulfur dioxide air pollution?Major sources include power plants and industrial boilers. Generally, air concentrations of SO2 are highest near large fuel-burning industrial facilities. According to EPA, the largest sources of SO2 emissions are from fossil fuel combustion at power plants (73%) and other industrial facilities (20%).
What is the largest source of sulfur dioxide air pollution quizlet?true: The largest source of sulfur oxide pollution is burning coal for power plants.
Which gas containing sulfur is a major cause of air pollution?Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a gaseous air pollutant composed of sulfur and oxygen. SO2 forms when sulfur-containing fuel such as coal, oil, or diesel is burned. Sulfur dioxide also converts in the atmosphere to sulfates, a major part of fine particle pollution in the eastern U.S.
What produces Sulphur dioxide?Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a foul-smelling toxic gas, is part of a larger group of chemicals called sulfur oxides. These gases, especially SO2, are emitted by the burning of fossil fuels or other materials that contain sulfur.
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