Clear the Air!

An introduction to air pollution and ways you can help.

Transcript

1. Clear the Air! Exploring air pollution
2. Air Pollution What is it? What causes it? What can you do?
3. What is air pollution?
4. What is air pollution? “The contamination of the atmosphere by noxious gases and particulates.” May be divided into outdoor and indoor.
5. Common pollutants Sulfur oxides Nitrogen dioxide Carbon monoxide Ozone Particulates Lead fumes
6. Sulfur oxides Come from volcanic eruptions (mostly harmless). Come from industrial processing (extremely toxic). Used as disinfectants, refrigerants, and preservatives.
7. Nitrogen dioxide Used to make rocket fuels and explosives. Present in car exhaust, electric power plants, the burning of fuels, and cigarettes. Can be toxic.
8. Carbon monoxide Produced while burning fuel. Present in vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke. Highly toxic and potentially lethal.
9. Ozone Created in a reaction between nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons. Pollutant in the troposphere, but essential in the stratosphere.
10. Particulate matter Refers to any particles in the air. Come from burning fuels, volcanoes, and construction sites. May accumulate in the lungs and become harmful.
11. Lead fumes From industrial activities such as smelting. Toxic, especially to children.
12. Causes of pollution
13. What causes air pollution? Industrial activities. Burning fuels. Natural events (e.g., volcanoes).
14. What can you do?
15. Top five ways to help Drive less. Plant more. Help eliminate dust (avoid creating large dirt patches). Be mindful of your use of the air conditioner/heater.
16. Sources https://www.britannica.com/science/air-pollution/Gr eenhouse-gases https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/gree n-health/7-ways-reduce-air-pollution/ https://www.environmentalpollutioncenters.org/air/
17. Thank you!