7.1 - Introduction to Air Production
Air quality - ANS The condition of the air based on the amount of pollutants in it. Air
quality is measured and regulated by the EPA based on levels of major criteria pollutants.
\Carbon dioxide - ANS GHG that comes from the combustion of FFs and clearing of land
(as organic matter decomposes). Single most important GHG because of its high
atmospheric concentration, relative to other GHGs.
\carbon monoxide - ANS a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas released from the
incomplete combustion of most matter. Car exhaust is the number one source of CO. It
displaces O2 in the blood stream, asphyxiating (suffocating) animals
\Clean Air Act - ANS 1970- law that established national standards for air quality, auto
and industrial emissions. Gives EPA power to monitor and regulate the 6 criteria air
pollutants.
\diesel fuel - ANS a heavy mineral oil used as fuel in diesel engines. More CO & PM
emitting than gasoline.
\Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - ANS The US federal agency with a mission to
protect human health and the environment. They enforce air quality regulations.
\hydrocarbons - ANS Compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen (FF, gasoline,
diesel, etc.)
\lead - ANS Naturally occurring metal found in rocks in the earth. Also a former additive
to gasoline and paint, and currently found in coal ash. Potent neurotoxin that can cause
learning disabilities in children.
\nitric acid - ANS (HNO3) formed when NO2 reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere. It
is a harmful component of acid deposition and plays a role in photochemical smog.
\nitrogen oxides (NOx) - ANS NO or NO2. NO2 is a pungent, reddish-brown gas. Both are
released from combustion of pretty much all matter (FFs, wood, biomass, etc.) &
decomposition of organic material in ag. fields. Resp. irritant, forms ozone and
photochemical smog, converts to nitric acid and acid rain.
\ozone (O3) - ANS Beneficial in the stratosphere (blocks UV rad.) but harmful to humans
(resp. irr.) and plants in the troposphere. Forms as a secondary pollutant from the
reaction of NOx + O2 + sunlight.
\particulate matter - ANS Solid or liquid particles suspended in air. Sources = combustion
of pretty much all matter, construction, forest fires, volcanoes, roads. Resp. irritant,
makes asthma worse, blocks sunlight (decreasing photosynthesis), and decreases
visibility by creating haze.
\photochemical smog - ANS air pollution that forms from the interaction between NOx +
VOCs + Sunlight
\Primary air pollutants - ANS Air pollutants that are directly emitted from human or
natural sources ex: CO, CO2, SO2, NO, hydrocarbons, particulates
\secondary air pollutants - ANS air pollutants formed when primary air pollutants react
with water, sunlight, oxygen, or other compounds in the atmosphere. ex: ozone, and acid
rain.
Air quality - ANS The condition of the air based on the amount of pollutants in it. Air
quality is measured and regulated by the EPA based on levels of major criteria pollutants.
\Carbon dioxide - ANS GHG that comes from the combustion of FFs and clearing of land
(as organic matter decomposes). Single most important GHG because of its high
atmospheric concentration, relative to other GHGs.
\carbon monoxide - ANS a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas released from the
incomplete combustion of most matter. Car exhaust is the number one source of CO. It
displaces O2 in the blood stream, asphyxiating (suffocating) animals
\Clean Air Act - ANS 1970- law that established national standards for air quality, auto
and industrial emissions. Gives EPA power to monitor and regulate the 6 criteria air
pollutants.
\diesel fuel - ANS a heavy mineral oil used as fuel in diesel engines. More CO & PM
emitting than gasoline.
\Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - ANS The US federal agency with a mission to
protect human health and the environment. They enforce air quality regulations.
\hydrocarbons - ANS Compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen (FF, gasoline,
diesel, etc.)
\lead - ANS Naturally occurring metal found in rocks in the earth. Also a former additive
to gasoline and paint, and currently found in coal ash. Potent neurotoxin that can cause
learning disabilities in children.
\nitric acid - ANS (HNO3) formed when NO2 reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere. It
is a harmful component of acid deposition and plays a role in photochemical smog.
\nitrogen oxides (NOx) - ANS NO or NO2. NO2 is a pungent, reddish-brown gas. Both are
released from combustion of pretty much all matter (FFs, wood, biomass, etc.) &
decomposition of organic material in ag. fields. Resp. irritant, forms ozone and
photochemical smog, converts to nitric acid and acid rain.
\ozone (O3) - ANS Beneficial in the stratosphere (blocks UV rad.) but harmful to humans
(resp. irr.) and plants in the troposphere. Forms as a secondary pollutant from the
reaction of NOx + O2 + sunlight.
\particulate matter - ANS Solid or liquid particles suspended in air. Sources = combustion
of pretty much all matter, construction, forest fires, volcanoes, roads. Resp. irritant,
makes asthma worse, blocks sunlight (decreasing photosynthesis), and decreases
visibility by creating haze.
\photochemical smog - ANS air pollution that forms from the interaction between NOx +
VOCs + Sunlight
\Primary air pollutants - ANS Air pollutants that are directly emitted from human or
natural sources ex: CO, CO2, SO2, NO, hydrocarbons, particulates
\secondary air pollutants - ANS air pollutants formed when primary air pollutants react
with water, sunlight, oxygen, or other compounds in the atmosphere. ex: ozone, and acid
rain.
