Assignment Air Pollution 2a6y10

Name: Siti Sarah Binti Ab Kadir Class: LISN2

IC: 830509-02-5140

AIR POLLUTION Causes and effect of Air Pollution Major classes of air pollutants are as follow:Pollutant Sources Carbon oxides Incomplete combustion of (CO2 and CO2) fossil fuels, transportation, industry and burning

Sulphur oxides (mainly SO2 or sulphur dioxide)

Nitrogen oxides-NO (nitric oxide) and NO2 (Nitrogen dioxide) Volatile organic compounds (hydrocarbons)methane, benzene, propane, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s)

Effects • Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important greenhouse gas • (CO) the most abundant pollutant know to affect human health, combines with haemoglobin and may create problem for infants, the elderly and those with heart or respiratory diseases

Most of the SO2 released in the air comes from utilities, industrial manufacturing processes, industrial combustion of coal and oil, transportation and other source

•

Motor vehicles and industry (burning fossil fuels)

•

Nitrogen oxides can react with other gases in atmosphere to from nitric acid (HNO3) which can turn to be acid rain

Motor vehicles (evaporation from tanks), industry and various household products

•

Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many organic compound are known to cause cancer in animals, some are suspected of causing or are known to cause cancer in human Act as respiratory irritants, some are known

Suspended particulate Power plant, iron/ steel

•

•

Sulphur oxides can react with gases in atmosphere to form sulphuric acid (H2SO4) which can turn to be acid rain Exposure to SO2 can cause impairment or respiratory function, aggravation of existing respiratory disease (especially bronchitis), and a decrease in the ability of the lungs to clear foreign particles. It can also lead to increase mortality, especially if elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) are also present. Group that appear most sensitive to the effect of SO2 include asthmatics and other individuals with chronic hyperactive airways, and individuals with chronic obstructive lung or cardiovascular disease. Elderly people and children are also likely most sensitive to SO2

matter-solid particles (e.g. dust, soot, and asbestos) liquid droplets (e.g. pesticides)

mills, land clearing, highway construction, mining and other activities that disturb or disrupt the earth’s surface

carcinogens (e.g. asbestos) can aggravate heart/ respiratory diseases

Toxic compoundstrace amount of at least 600 toxic substances (such as lead and mercury produced by human activities

Example:- mercury is an • example of toxic elements that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust other sources of mercury is from burning coal and waste (such as medical wastes)

Most people and wildlife can generally tolerate the extremely low levels of this naturally occurring substance. When mercury enters the body it becomes concentrated in tissue, an effect known as bioaccumulation. Because this element is toxic at very low concentrations, even slight increases in the minute concentrations naturally present in the environment can have serious effects on humans had wildlife. Once mercury enters the water it can be converted to its most toxic form, methyl mercury, by bacteria or chemical reactions. Methyl mercury is absorbed by tiny aquatic organisms, which are then eaten by small fish. People and wildlife at the top of the food chain are consequently exposed to elevated amounts of methyl mercury through the contaminated fish consume.

Photochemical oxidants- mainly ozone. Ozone pollution is principally a daytime problem. The presence of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide in sunlight with little air movement leads to the generation of ozone

The two compounds • (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide) are produced by cars, truck, factories and power generating plants or whatever gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, oil or natural gas are combusted. These gases combine together with sunlight, producing ozone. Urban area with heavy traffic and large industrialized communities are primary areas for ozone problems

The greatest concern about ozone pollution is the potential damage it may inflict on human health. High concentrations of ozone are especially hazardous to children, the elderly and people with respiratory problem. Each year many food crops are damaged by ozone. Ozone also damage rubber, nylon , plastic, dyes an paint.

Other Effect of air pollution o Acid rain o Global warming o Ozone Depletion o Smog

Ways to prevent Air Pollution

1. Sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides emission can be reduced by using coal containing less sulphur, washing the coal, and using devices call scrubbers to chemically remove the SO2 form the gases leaving the smokestack 2. Power plants can also switch the type of fuels used; for example burning natural creates much less SO2 than burning coal. Certain approaches will also have additional benefit of reducing other pollutants such as mercury and carbon dioxides 3. Using catalytic converters can also reduce NOx emissions form cars. These devices have been a requirement for all car s in the US for over 20 years. 4. Use alternatives energy sources-There are other source of electricity besides fossil fuels. They include: hydropower, wind energy, geothermal energy, and solar energy. There are also alternative energies available to power automobiles, including natural gas powered vehicles, battery-powered cars, fuel cells, and combinations of alternative and gasoline powered vehicles. 5. Take action as individuals-Individuals can contribute directly by conserving energy, since energy production causes the largest portion of the acid deposition problem. For example, you can: turn off light, computers and other appliances when you’re not using them. Use energy efficient appliances: lighting, air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, etc 6. Develop mass transit and reduce automobile use, carpool, use public transportation, or better yet, walk or cycle whenever possible. 7. Reduce deforestations and plant trees cause plants can absorb CO2 8. Slow human population growth