Air Pollutants and Their Effects Flashcards

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is an air pollutant?

An air pollutant is a substance in the air that is harmful to people, animals or the environment.

Name three common air pollutants released when fossil fuels are burned.

Three common air pollutants are carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

How does carbon dioxide released from burning fuels affect the Earth?

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming and climate change.

What is methane and how does it affect the climate?

Methane is a greenhouse gas released from cattle, rice fields and landfill sites. It traps heat and helps to warm the Earth.

What is sulfur dioxide and what environmental problem can it cause?

Sulfur dioxide is a gas made when fuels with sulfur burn. It can dissolve in rainwater to form acid rain.

How are nitrogen oxides formed in car engines and what can they cause?

Nitrogen oxides form when nitrogen and oxygen in air react at high temperatures in engines. They can cause breathing problems and acid rain.

What is acid rain and give two of its effects.

Acid rain is rainwater made more acidic by dissolved sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. It can damage trees and soils and it can wear away buildings and statues.

What is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas made by incomplete burning of fuels. It is poisonous because it stops blood carrying enough oxygen around the body.

What are particulates and how can they affect people’s health?

Particulates are tiny solid particles, such as soot, released when fuels burn. They can get into the lungs and cause breathing and heart problems.

What is global dimming and which air pollutant helps cause it?

Global dimming is a reduction in the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface. It is partly caused by particulates that reflect or block sunlight.