3Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this chapter the reader will be able to:Describe historically important air pollution episodesList health effects associated with air pollutionDescribe potential hazards linked to indoor airEnumerate the typical components of urban ambient air pollutionDiscuss the concept of global warming
4Air QualityMany European cities do not meet World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards for at least one pollutant.In the U.S., about a quarter of the population lives in areas that do not meet U.S. air quality standards.
5SmogSmog denotes “A mixture of pollutants, principally ground-level ozone, produced by chemical reactions in the air involving smog-forming chemicals.”Formed by anthropogenic and/or natural sources
6Health Effects of Air Pollution Some forms of cancer such as lung cancer and skin cancer (from possible depletion of the ozone layer)Damage to vital tissues and organs, such as the nervous systemImpairment of lung and breathing function
7Environmental Impacts of Air Pollution Causes property damageReduces visibility in national parksHarms forestsHarms lakes and other bodies of waterInjures wildlife
8Lethal Air Pollution Episodes in History Meuse Valley in Belgium (1930)Donora, Pennsylvania (1948)London, England (1952)
9Composition of Pure Air (by Weight) Nitrogen (76%)Oxygen (23%)Argon (1%)Carbon dioxide (0.03%)Variety of other gases in lesser amountsWater vapor
10Natural Sources of Air Pollution Wind storms that spread dust cloudsSalt evaporation along the earth’s coastsProduction of materials that have a biologic origin (e.g., mold spores, pollen, and organic material from plants and animals )Forest firesVolcanic eruptions
11Figure 10-5 Eruption of Mount Saint Helens on May 18, 1980. Source: Reprinted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public Health Image Library. ID #4726. Available at: Accessed March 22, 2010.
12Anthropogenic Sources of Air Pollution Stationary sourcesMobile sources
13Stationary Sources Electric generating plants Factories and manufacturing complexesOil refineriesChemical plantsIncinerators
15Mobile Sources and Air Pollution According to the EPA, motor vehicles produce nearly half of two major causes of smog—volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—almost 75% of carbon monoxide, and more than half of emissions of toxic air pollutants.
16Common Components of Air Pollution Sulfur oxidesParticulate matterOxidants (including ozone)Carbon monoxideHydrocarbonsNitrogen oxidesLeadOther heavy metals
17Criteria Air Pollutants Used to describe “A group of very common air pollutants regulated by EPA on the basis of criteria (information on health and/or environmental effects of pollution).”Criteria air pollutants are ozone, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and lead.
18Particulate Matter (PM) PM10 and PM2.5Particles of both sizes cause respiratory system irritation and impact the lungs.PM2.5 particles are capable of being inhaled deeply into the lungs.PM2.5 particles are not cleared readily from the body.PM2.5 particles are associated with 60,000 deaths annually (U.S.).
19Acid RainRefers to the precipitation of acidic compounds formed when components of air pollution (e.g., SO2 and NOx) interact with other components in the air such as water, oxygen, and oxidants.Emissions of SO2 and NOx are produced by installations such as electric utility plants.Creates abnormally high levels of acidity that are potentially damaging to the environment, wildlife, and human health.
20Figure 10-9 Acid rain formation. Source: Reprinted from US Environmental Protection Agency. AIRTrends 1995 Summary: Acid Rain. Available at: Accessed March 22, 2010.
21Temperature Inversion An atmospheric condition during which a warm layer of air stalls above a layer of cool air that is closer to the surface of the earthDuring a temperature inversion, pollutants can build up when they are trapped close to the earth’s surface.
22Diesel ExhaustA complex mixture of particles and gases; includes the element carbon, condensed hydrocarbon gases, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the latter suspected of being carcinogens.Other constituents are hundreds of organic and inorganic compounds, some of which are regarded as toxic air pollutants.
23Health Effects of Diesel Exhaust Epidemiologic evidence suggests that in comparison with nonexposed groups, two categories of workers (truck drivers and railroad crews) exposed directly to diesel exhaust have lung cancer incidence rates that are 20% to 40% higher.
24The Air Quality IndexThe Air Quality Index is used to provide the public with an indication of air quality in a local area on a daily basis.It focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.
25National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Federal standards for air pollutionThe EPA reviews the scientific literature at 5-year intervals and decides whether to revise each standard.
26Federal Standards“Primary standards set limits to protect public health, including the health of ‘sensitive’ populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.”“Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility, damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.”
27Acute Effects of Air Pollution Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throatAching lungsBronchitisPneumoniaWheezingCoughingNauseaHeadaches
28Chronic Effects of Air Pollution Heart diseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseLung cancer
29Poor Indoor Air Quality (Many People Spend 90% of Time Indoors) Related to exacerbation of asthma and bronchitisAssociated with:Legionnaires’ diseaseSick building syndromeHypersensitivity pneumonitisMultiple chemical sensitivity
30Indoor Air Pollution Sources Mold and bacteriaCarbon monoxide fumes from attached garageChemicals released from building and furnishing materialsTobacco smokeGases including radon seeping through foundation
31Indoor Cooking Stoves in the Third World Use biomass fuelsOften unventilatedImpact the health of children, women, and the elderly disproportionately
32Illness Associated with Poor Indoor Air Quality Sick building syndromeNo specific illness or cause can be identified.Causes acute health and comfort effectsBuilding-related illnessDescribes a diagnosable illnessLinked to specific pollutants
33Global Warming“An increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth [is] predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases.”“Scientists generally agree that the Earth’s surface has warmed by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past 140 years.”
34Causes of Global Warming Use of fossil fuels, including coal and petroleum-based fuelsChlorofluorocarbon gases used in air conditioners have been linked to the depletion of the ozone layer.
35Figure 10-19 The greenhouse effect. Source: Reprinted from US Environmental Protection Agency. AIRTrends 1995 Summary, Global Warming and Climate Change. Available at: Accessed March 22, 2010.
36Potential Impacts of Global Warming Disturbances in the native habitats of plant and animal speciesGrowth of vector-borne diseasesGrowth of organisms in the ocean that cause foodborne seafood poisoning
37More Potential Impacts of Global Warming Exacerbation of the effects of air pollutionExtreme climatic conditions (e.g., heat waves, droughts, and monsoons)Disruption of the food supply and dwindling of food resources
38Air Pollution in the U.S.U.S. produces 23% of the earth’s emissions of greenhouse gases.Major source of air pollution in the U.S. is combustion of fossil fuels, particularly by coal-fired electric generating plants and internal combustion engines.The U.S., with only about 4% of the world’s population, is the leading source of carbon dioxide pollution.
39Steps to Reduce Emissions of Harmful Air Pollution Technological controlsThe Kyoto ProtocolEnergy conservation
40Technological Controls Several mechanical devices are used to reduce industrial emissions of particulate matter (e.g., scrubbers, filters, and electrostatic precipitators).
41What is the Kyoto Protocol? An international and legally binding compact that was initiated in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997.Goal is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that are believed to be the cause of recent climate changes.Requires developed countries to reduce their emissions by targeted amounts. For example, the U.S. would be required to cut emissions by 7% and European countries (Switzerland, Central and Eastern Europe, and the European Union) by 8%.
42More about the Kyoto Protocol In order for the Kyoto Protocol to come into effect, it needed to be ratified by a sufficient number of industrialized countries that in combination produce at least 55% of the world’s total CO2 emissions.By February 2005, 141 nations including Russia had ratified the protocol, meaning that it could be implemented. The Kyoto Protocol went into force on February 16, The U.S. did not ratify.
43Copenhagen Accord, 2009Spearheaded by the U.S., China, and several other countriesSought to curb greenhouse gases and keep global temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius between 2010 and 2040Talks became deadlocked
44Energy Conservation Steps to Reduce Air Pollution Increase the efficiency of older power plants.Develop more renewable and alternative energy sources, e.g., wind turbines and solar panels.Use energy-efficient designs in home construction and electrical appliances; try to reduce dependence on such appliances.Increase the fuel efficiency of motor vehicles as in the use of hybrid gas-electric and other high- mileage designs.Increase the use of public transportation.