Air QualityMrs. Wharton’s Science Class

What is Air Quality?Air Quality- Affects the quality of life of all

organisms on earth.Natural and Human activities greatly

influence the quality of air.The environment may contain dangerous

levels of substances that are harmful to human beings.

Air Pollution

Air pollution -is made up of gases, particles, or other particulates that are harmful to people or the environment

Pollutants- harmful substances in the air, water or soil.

Fossil FuelsMost air pollution is the result of burning fossil

fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline and diesel fuel.

The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere.

Smog

Smog is combination (colloid) of smoke, fog and chemicals.

Many areas have smog problems.Smog irritates the lungs

Acid Rain

Some of the gases from the burning of the fossil fuels mix with water vapor and then form acid rain.

Acid rain is harmful to both living and non living things.

Because air pollutants are often carried by prevailing winds, acid rain may fall far from the source of pollution.

Greenhouse EffectThe trapping of the sun’s heat near the

Earth’s surface.

Human activities that increase carbon dioxide levels may be intensifying the greenhouse

effect.

Global Warming

A theory that predicts that the increase in carbon dioxide levels will cause the

average temperature to continue to rise.

Ozone Depletion

The major cause of the hole in the Ozone layer is the use of CFC’s – gases that used be used in many household products such

as aerosol cans.

Humans Effect On the EnvironmentThe cumulative ecological effects of global

ozone depletion, air pollution, increased particulate matter, acid rain, and global warming concerns the entire GLOBAL community.

Studies have shown that the human impact on these factors has impacted the global system. Using less fossil fuels is the best way to improve air quality.

Most forms of transportation and many industries produce carbon dioxide and add particles in the air and reduce the quality of the atmosphere.

Natural Sources of PollutionAir pollution does not consist entirely of man

made substances.Some “natural” pollutants include radon,

pollen, and mold spores. Others are dust from plowed fields and

volcanic eruptions.

EPA- Environmental Protection AgencyProvides daily information about air quality.Local weather channels also issue

information related to the health of the atmosphere.

Help enforce the laws that exist to reduce air pollution.