Atmospheric Science and Air Pollution：大气科学和空气污染.ppt

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Criteria pollutants: particulate matter and lead Particulate matter = solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere Primary pollutants: dust and soot Secondary pollutants: sulfates and nitrates Damages respiratory tissue when inhaled Most is wind-blown dust Lead = particulate pollutant added to gas and used in industrial metal smelting Bioaccumulates and causes nervous system malfunction Banned in gasoline in developed, but not in developing countries Areas in the U.S. fail air quality standards Agencies monitor pollutants State and local agencies also monitor, calculate, and report to the EPA the emissions of pollutants Four criteria pollutants: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and lead All nitrogen oxides Not tropospheric ozone (no emissions to monitor) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) = carbon-containing chemicals used emitted by vehicle engines and industrial processes U.S. air pollution In 2006, the U.S. emitted 137 million tons of the six major pollutants Air pollution has decreased since 1970 Total emissions of the six monitored pollutants have declined Despite increased population, energy consumption, miles traveled, and gross domestic product Reasons for the decline in U.S. pollution Cleaner-burning vehicles and catalytic converters decrease carbon monoxide Permit-trading programs and clean coal technologies reduce SO2 emissions Scrubbers = technologies that chemically convert or physically remove pollutants before they leave the smokestacks Phaseout of leaded gasoline Improved technologies and federal policies Toxic substances also pollute Toxic air pollutants = substances known to cause cancer; reproductive defects; or neurological, development, immune system, or respiratory problems Some are produced naturally: hydrogen sulfide Most are produced by humans: smelting, sewage treatment, industry Not monitore