Professional Documents
Culture Documents
&
Meteorology
(Bachmann, 2007)
Atmosphere Profile and Composition
Air pollution is the introduction of particulates, biological
molecules, or other harmful materials into the Earth's
atmosphere, possibly causing disease, death to humans, damage
to other living organisms such as food crops, or the natural or
built environment.
Air Pollutants- Classification
Primary Pollutants Secondary Pollutants
emitted into the atmosphere directly synthesized in the atmosphere by
from the source of the pollutant and chemical reactions involving
retains the same chemical form primary pollutants
Short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory
infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Others include headaches, nausea, and allergic
reactions. Short-term air pollution can aggravate the medical conditions of individuals with
asthma and emphysema.
Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and
even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Continual exposure to air pollution affects
the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or complicate medical conditions in the elderly.
Gaseous Pollutants: Behaviour, Fate
and Effects
Removal Mechanisms
• Absorption
• Adsorption
• Chemical reactions
PANS and other pollutants
Volatile organic
compounds (VOCs)
Ozone (O3)
Oxygen (O2)
Nitric oxide (NO)
+
Oxygen atom (O)
Water
vapor
Hydrocarbons (H2O) UV radiation
Peroxyacyl
nitrates Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Photochemical
(PANs)
Oxygen (O2)
Smog
Nitric oxide (NO)
Oxygen (O2) Burning fossil fuels