9.3 Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources

• Air pollution poses risks to human health and the environment
• What is the primary source of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10)?

  Combustion of fossil fuels
• Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
• Match the pollutant with its primary source:

  Sulfur Dioxide ↔️ Burning fossil fuels

  Nitrogen Oxides ↔️ Combustion in vehicles

  Particulate Matter ↔️ Industrial activities
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx) can lead to the formation of ozone.


  True
• Air pollution occurs when harmful substances accumulate in the atmosphere
• Which major atmospheric pollutant is produced by burning coal and oil?

  Sulfur dioxide
• What is an example of a source of sulfur dioxide from fossil fuel combustion?

  Burning coal in power plants
• What are two environmental issues caused by nitrogen oxides (NOx)?

  Smog and acid rain
• Air pollution occurs when harmful substances accumulate in the atmosphere
• Nitrogen oxides can contribute to the formation of ozone
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is primarily produced by the burning of fossil fuels.
• Order the sources of sulfur dioxide from most significant to least significant:

  1️⃣ Fossil Fuel Combustion

  2️⃣ Industrial Processes

  3️⃣ Natural Sources (Volcanic eruptions)
• What are two health impacts of sulfur dioxide pollution?

  Acid rain, respiratory problems
• Particulate matter can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
• Sulfur dioxide contributes to acid rain, which damages ecosystems and infrastructure.


  True
• Reducing emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes is crucial for mitigating air pollution effects.


  True
• How is ozone (O3) formed in the atmosphere?

  From NOx and VOCs in sunlight
• What are two major impacts of sulfur dioxide (SO2)?

  Acid rain, respiratory issues
• Match the pollutant with its primary impact:

  Particulate Matter ↔️ Cardiovascular diseases

  Nitrogen Oxides ↔️ Acid rain

  Sulfur Dioxide ↔️ Respiratory issues
• Nitrogen oxides can contribute to the formation of ozone
• Particulate matter can cause both respiratory and cardiovascular problems.


  True
• Steps in the formation of nitrogen oxides during combustion:

  1️⃣ High temperatures during combustion

  2️⃣ Atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen react

  3️⃣ Formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Match the pollutant with its primary source:

  Sulfur Dioxide ↔️ Industrial processes

  Nitrogen Oxides ↔️ Vehicle combustion

  Particulate Matter ↔️ Construction activities
• What is the primary health effect of sulfur dioxide (SO2)?

  Respiratory issues
• What are two major environmental impacts of nitrogen oxides (NOx)?

  Acid rain, ozone formation
• Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) is associated with respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases.
• Major atmospheric pollutants pose risks to human health and the environment when they accumulate in the atmosphere.


  True
• Match the pollutant with its source and impact:

  Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) ↔️ Burning fossil fuels, acid rain

  Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) ↔️ Combustion in vehicles, respiratory problems

  Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10) ↔️ Construction, cardiovascular diseases
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are primarily produced through combustion processes.
• High temperatures during combustion cause atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen to react, forming NOx.


  True
• What are the three main sources of particulate matter pollution?

  Combustion, construction, industrial activities
• What are two environmental impacts of nitrogen oxides?

  Acid rain, smog formation
• Particulate matter can reduce visibility and damage buildings and materials.