The document discusses air pollution, its causes, and its effects. It defines air pollution as the contamination of air by harmful substances. Major sources of air pollution include automobile exhaust, industrial emissions, burning of fossil fuels and coal, and natural sources like wildfires and volcanoes. The burning of coal in China contributes significantly to air pollution problems there. Indoor air pollution from activities like smoking, cooking and building materials can also be harmful. Major air pollutants that are discussed include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, ozone, nitrogen oxides and hazardous air pollutants. Air pollution is linked to many health issues and deaths worldwide.

1. Santiago VS SingaporeSantiago VS Singapore

2. Air PollutionAir Pollution
Yayu YuYayu Yu
February 21, 2007February 21, 2007

3. IntroductionIntroduction
 We could live about a month without food. We couldWe could live about a month without food. We could
even live for several days without water. But without air,even live for several days without water. But without air,
we cannot live more than a few minutes.we cannot live more than a few minutes.
 We might foul the air so badly in some places that itWe might foul the air so badly in some places that it
could become unfit to breath. In some areas, the air is socould become unfit to breath. In some areas, the air is so
bad that people become sick from breathing it, and somebad that people become sick from breathing it, and some
even die because of it.even die because of it.
 The World Health Organization estimates that a billionThe World Health Organization estimates that a billion
people live in places where the air is substandard andpeople live in places where the air is substandard and
that air pollution kills 8,000 people a day worldwide.that air pollution kills 8,000 people a day worldwide.
About 90% of the deaths occur in developing countries.About 90% of the deaths occur in developing countries.

4. What is air pollution?What is air pollution?

5. What is air pollution?What is air pollution?
 Is fart or bad breath air pollution?Is fart or bad breath air pollution?
 Air pollution is the contamination of air byAir pollution is the contamination of air by
the discharge of harmful substances.the discharge of harmful substances.

6. Indoor PollutionsIndoor Pollutions
There are many sources ofThere are many sources of
indoor air pollution.indoor air pollution.
 Tobacco smokeTobacco smoke
 cookingcooking
 heating appliancesheating appliances
 vapors from buildingvapors from building
materials, paints, furniturematerials, paints, furniture
 other materials within theother materials within the
home that emit unhealthyhome that emit unhealthy
chemicalschemicals

7. ExplanationExplanation
 While air pollution is thought to be a problem related toWhile air pollution is thought to be a problem related to
outdoor air, the same pollutants can be found indoors.outdoor air, the same pollutants can be found indoors.
We spend up to 60% of our time indoors and our homesWe spend up to 60% of our time indoors and our homes
are not always the safe places we would like them to be.are not always the safe places we would like them to be.
 These chemicals, some of which are called volatileThese chemicals, some of which are called volatile
organic compounds (VOC) can cause ill health and theyorganic compounds (VOC) can cause ill health and they
are found in carpets, chipboard, furnishing fabrics,are found in carpets, chipboard, furnishing fabrics,
clothing pesticides, cleaning products, toiletries,clothing pesticides, cleaning products, toiletries,
cosmetics and hobby products.cosmetics and hobby products.
 Pollution exposure at home and work is often greaterPollution exposure at home and work is often greater
than outdoors. The California Air Resources Boardthan outdoors. The California Air Resources Board
estimates that indoor air pollutant levels are 25-62%estimates that indoor air pollutant levels are 25-62%
greater than outside levels and can pose serious healthgreater than outside levels and can pose serious health
problems.problems.

8. Outdoor PollutionsOutdoor Pollutions
 automobile exhaustautomobile exhaust
 industrial emissionsindustrial emissions
Natural PollutionNatural Pollution
 WildfiresWildfires
 Windblown dustWindblown dust
 Volcanic eruptionsVolcanic eruptions
 Burning of fossil fuelsBurning of fossil fuels
(Chemistry Book)(Chemistry Book)

9. Explanation-CarsExplanation-Cars
 Cars are wonderful things. You can go where you want and when. You can travel with friends or family in aCars are wonderful things. You can go where you want and when. You can travel with friends or family in a
weatherproof lounge-room on wheels that whisks you along far faster than you could run. But they do create airweatherproof lounge-room on wheels that whisks you along far faster than you could run. But they do create air
pollution.pollution.
 Lead in petrolLead in petrol
 Lead is put in petrol to make older designs of car engine work better – but if it gets into your body it will have theLead is put in petrol to make older designs of car engine work better – but if it gets into your body it will have the
opposite effect. The lead comes from the exhausts of cars running on leaded petrol and it is poisonous stuff.opposite effect. The lead comes from the exhausts of cars running on leaded petrol and it is poisonous stuff.
Babies and young children can be badly affected by lead – because it can stop their nervous systems developingBabies and young children can be badly affected by lead – because it can stop their nervous systems developing
properly and it can damage their brains. Once lead has found its way into your body it is difficult to get it outproperly and it can damage their brains. Once lead has found its way into your body it is difficult to get it out
again, so it is obviously better to keep it out in the first place. Changing from leaded to unleaded petrol hasagain, so it is obviously better to keep it out in the first place. Changing from leaded to unleaded petrol has
already helped reduce the problems caused by lead poisoning. But one of the problems is that Australians tend toalready helped reduce the problems caused by lead poisoning. But one of the problems is that Australians tend to
keep their cars for a very long time, so although unleaded petrol is used in all cars less than 10 years old, it willkeep their cars for a very long time, so although unleaded petrol is used in all cars less than 10 years old, it will
take a while for all the old cars using leaded petrol to vanish from our roads.take a while for all the old cars using leaded petrol to vanish from our roads.
 Photochemical smogPhotochemical smog
 Photochemical smog (where ozone is generated) is the main air pollution problem in the larger Australian cities,Photochemical smog (where ozone is generated) is the main air pollution problem in the larger Australian cities,
because of our sunny weather. It is caused by the release of nitrogen oxides, mainly from motor vehicles. Underbecause of our sunny weather. It is caused by the release of nitrogen oxides, mainly from motor vehicles. Under
the influence of sunlight, these oxides react with certain hydrocarbon compounds to form various substances thatthe influence of sunlight, these oxides react with certain hydrocarbon compounds to form various substances that
are toxic to humans and plants. The smog irritates people's eyes, nose and throat, causing considerableare toxic to humans and plants. The smog irritates people's eyes, nose and throat, causing considerable
discomfort.discomfort.
 Ozone is an extremely irritating and poisonous gas, and concentrations in our cities can exceed recommendedOzone is an extremely irritating and poisonous gas, and concentrations in our cities can exceed recommended
health limits for short periods during photochemical smog episodes. The air circulation patterns in some of ourhealth limits for short periods during photochemical smog episodes. The air circulation patterns in some of our
cities (where polluted air may recirculate for some time before being swept away) worsen the problem.cities (where polluted air may recirculate for some time before being swept away) worsen the problem.
 (Ozone levels are rising in the lower atmosphere; the destruction of ozone in the upper atmosphere is a quite(Ozone levels are rising in the lower atmosphere; the destruction of ozone in the upper atmosphere is a quite
separate problem, see ourseparate problem, see our NovaNova topic Earth's sunscreen – the ozone layer.)topic Earth's sunscreen – the ozone layer.)
 All of this is bad news for us and bad news for the planet – so what are we doing about it?All of this is bad news for us and bad news for the planet – so what are we doing about it?
 Catalytic convertersCatalytic converters
 Development of catalytic converters has helped reduce pollutants in car exhaust. The converter is a special boxDevelopment of catalytic converters has helped reduce pollutants in car exhaust. The converter is a special box
that goes onto a car's exhaust system just past the engine. It is sealed on the outside, but inside is a heat-proofthat goes onto a car's exhaust system just past the engine. It is sealed on the outside, but inside is a heat-proof
block with lots of holes through it – a bit like a big bundle of hollow spaghetti. As the car's hot exhaust gases passblock with lots of holes through it – a bit like a big bundle of hollow spaghetti. As the car's hot exhaust gases pass
through this honeycomb of holes, they come into contact with a thin coating of precious metal – usually platinum.through this honeycomb of holes, they come into contact with a thin coating of precious metal – usually platinum.
This coating causes chemical changes to take place in the exhaust gases, which much reduce the pollutantsThis coating causes chemical changes to take place in the exhaust gases, which much reduce the pollutants
coming out of the car.coming out of the car.
 But as more and more cars take to the road, even these much cleaner cars are still a major source of pollution.But as more and more cars take to the road, even these much cleaner cars are still a major source of pollution.
Also, using a precious metal like platinum makes the converters very expensive to produce.Also, using a precious metal like platinum makes the converters very expensive to produce.

10. Explanation-Natural PollutionExplanation-Natural Pollution
 Even before there were people, there were air pollution.Even before there were people, there were air pollution.
Wildfires, windblown dust, and volcanic eruptions addedWildfires, windblown dust, and volcanic eruptions added
pollutants to the atmosphere, and they still do so.pollutants to the atmosphere, and they still do so.
Volcanoes spew ash and poisonous gases into theVolcanoes spew ash and poisonous gases into the
atmosphere.atmosphere.
 Example: In 1995 eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcanoExample: In 1995 eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano
on Montserrat covered much of the Caribbean islandon Montserrat covered much of the Caribbean island
with ash. The ash and fear of further eruptions causedwith ash. The ash and fear of further eruptions caused
the evacuation of more than half the country.the evacuation of more than half the country.
 Dust storms, especially in arid regions, add massiveDust storms, especially in arid regions, add massive
amounts of particulate matter to the atmosphere.amounts of particulate matter to the atmosphere.

11. Explanation-Burning of CoalExplanation-Burning of Coal
 Air Pollution in ChinaAir Pollution in China
 As China strives to become an industrial power, its people are paying aAs China strives to become an industrial power, its people are paying a
heavy price in pollution. Coal burning supplies about ¾ of China’sheavy price in pollution. Coal burning supplies about ¾ of China’s
commercial energy needs. The coal has a high sulfur content, and emissioncommercial energy needs. The coal has a high sulfur content, and emission
controls are often inadequate. As a result, levels of sulfur dioxide andcontrols are often inadequate. As a result, levels of sulfur dioxide and
particulate matter are among the highest in the world. About half of China’sparticulate matter are among the highest in the world. About half of China’s
largest cities have SO2 levels above the WHO guidelines. Some cities, suchlargest cities have SO2 levels above the WHO guidelines. Some cities, such
as Lanzhou and Taiyuan, have levels almost 10 times the WHO standard.as Lanzhou and Taiyuan, have levels almost 10 times the WHO standard.
All but 2 of 82 cities monitored exceeded WHO guidelines for particularAll but 2 of 82 cities monitored exceeded WHO guidelines for particular
matter.matter.
 China’s growing fleet of motor vehicles also contributes to air pollutionChina’s growing fleet of motor vehicles also contributes to air pollution
problems. Most vehicles are operated in large cities, and because few haveproblems. Most vehicles are operated in large cities, and because few have
effective emission controls, they contribute heavily to the smog in theseeffective emission controls, they contribute heavily to the smog in these
cities.cities.
 China is beginning to attack the problem by closing heavily pollutingChina is beginning to attack the problem by closing heavily polluting
factories in some larger metropolitan areas. The Chinese government hasfactories in some larger metropolitan areas. The Chinese government has
also invested in gas and in cleaner, more efficient briquettes asalso invested in gas and in cleaner, more efficient briquettes as
replacements for raw coal as a fuel for domestic cooking and heating.replacements for raw coal as a fuel for domestic cooking and heating.

12. Major Air PollutantsMajor Air Pollutants
 Carbon Monoxide (CO)Carbon Monoxide (CO) COCO CarbonCarbon
Dioxide (CO2)Dioxide (CO2)
 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
 Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
 Ozone (O3Ozone (O3 ))
 Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)

13. Explanation-major pollutantsExplanation-major pollutants
 Carbon Monoxide (CO)Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas. After being inhaled, CO molecules canis an odorless, colorless gas. After being inhaled, CO molecules can
enter the bloodstream, where they inhibit the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. Lowenter the bloodstream, where they inhibit the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. Low
concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches, and fatigue; high concentrations can be fatal.concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches, and fatigue; high concentrations can be fatal.
 CO is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, oil, andCO is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, oil, and
wood. It is also produced from incomplete combustion of natural and synthetic products, such aswood. It is also produced from incomplete combustion of natural and synthetic products, such as
cigarette smoke. It can build up in high concentrations in enclosed areas such as garages, poorlycigarette smoke. It can build up in high concentrations in enclosed areas such as garages, poorly
ventilated tunnels, and even along roadsides in heavy traffic.ventilated tunnels, and even along roadsides in heavy traffic.
 Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the principal greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activityis the principal greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activity
(e.g., burning of coal, oil, and natural gas). CO2 can cause burns, frostbite, and blindness if an(e.g., burning of coal, oil, and natural gas). CO2 can cause burns, frostbite, and blindness if an
area is exposed to it in solid or liquid form. If inhaled, it can be toxic in high concentrations,area is exposed to it in solid or liquid form. If inhaled, it can be toxic in high concentrations,
causing an increase in the breathing rate, unconsciousness, and death.causing an increase in the breathing rate, unconsciousness, and death.
 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemicals used in great quantities in industry, for refrigerationare chemicals used in great quantities in industry, for refrigeration
and air conditioning, and in consumer products. CFCs, when released into the air, rise into theand air conditioning, and in consumer products. CFCs, when released into the air, rise into the
stratosphere (a layer of atmosphere high above the Earth). In the stratosphere, CFCs take part instratosphere (a layer of atmosphere high above the Earth). In the stratosphere, CFCs take part in
chemical reactions that result in reduction of the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects thechemical reactions that result in reduction of the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects the
Earth's surface from the sun. Reducing the release of CFC emissions and eliminating theEarth's surface from the sun. Reducing the release of CFC emissions and eliminating the
production and use of ozone-destroying chemicals is very important to the Earth's stratosphere.production and use of ozone-destroying chemicals is very important to the Earth's stratosphere.
 Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) are chemicals that cause serious health and environmentalare chemicals that cause serious health and environmental
effects. Health effects include cancer, birth defects, nervous system problems, and death due toeffects. Health effects include cancer, birth defects, nervous system problems, and death due to
massive accidental releases, such as the disaster that occurred at a pesticide plant in Bhopal,massive accidental releases, such as the disaster that occurred at a pesticide plant in Bhopal,
India.India.
 Hazardous air pollutants are released by sources such as chemical plants, dry cleaners, printingHazardous air pollutants are released by sources such as chemical plants, dry cleaners, printing
plants, and motor vehicles including cars, trucks, buses, planes.plants, and motor vehicles including cars, trucks, buses, planes.

14. Explanation-major pollutants cont.dExplanation-major pollutants cont.d
 LeadLead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects particularly in young children. Leadis a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects particularly in young children. Lead
can cause nervous system damage and digestive problems, and some lead-containing chemicals cause cancer.can cause nervous system damage and digestive problems, and some lead-containing chemicals cause cancer.
Lead can also harm wildlife.Lead can also harm wildlife.
 Lead has been phased out of gasoline, which has considerably reduced the contamination of air by lead.Lead has been phased out of gasoline, which has considerably reduced the contamination of air by lead.
However, lead can still be inhaled or ingested from other sources. The sources for lead include paint (for housesHowever, lead can still be inhaled or ingested from other sources. The sources for lead include paint (for houses
and cars), smelters, manufacture of lead batteries, fishing lures, certain parts of bullets, some ceramic ware,and cars), smelters, manufacture of lead batteries, fishing lures, certain parts of bullets, some ceramic ware,
miniblinds, water pipes, and a few hair dye products.miniblinds, water pipes, and a few hair dye products.
 Ozone (O3Ozone (O3 is a gas that is a variety of oxygen. Oxygen consists of two oxygen atoms; ozone consists of three.is a gas that is a variety of oxygen. Oxygen consists of two oxygen atoms; ozone consists of three.
Ozone in the upper atmosphere, where it occurs naturally in what is known as the ozone layer, shields the EarthOzone in the upper atmosphere, where it occurs naturally in what is known as the ozone layer, shields the Earth
from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level where it is a pollutant with highly toxic effects,from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level where it is a pollutant with highly toxic effects,
ozone damages human health, the environment, crops, and a wide range of natural and artificial materials.ozone damages human health, the environment, crops, and a wide range of natural and artificial materials.
Ground-level ozone can irritate the respiratory tract, cause chest pain, persistent cough, an inability to take aGround-level ozone can irritate the respiratory tract, cause chest pain, persistent cough, an inability to take a
deep breath, and an increased susceptibility to lung infection. Ozone can damage trees and plants and reducedeep breath, and an increased susceptibility to lung infection. Ozone can damage trees and plants and reduce
visibility.visibility.
 Ground-level ozone comes from the breakdown (oxidation) of volatile organic compounds found in solvents. It isGround-level ozone comes from the breakdown (oxidation) of volatile organic compounds found in solvents. It is
also a product of reactions between chemicals that are produced by burning coal, gasoline, other fuels, andalso a product of reactions between chemicals that are produced by burning coal, gasoline, other fuels, and
chemicals found in paints and hair sprays. Oxidation occurs readily during hot weather. Vehicles and industrieschemicals found in paints and hair sprays. Oxidation occurs readily during hot weather. Vehicles and industries
are major sources of ground-level ozone.are major sources of ground-level ozone.
 Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) is a major contributor to smog and acid rain. Nitrogen oxides react with volatile organicis a major contributor to smog and acid rain. Nitrogen oxides react with volatile organic
compounds to form smog. In high doses, smog can harm humans by causing breathing difficulty for asthmatics,compounds to form smog. In high doses, smog can harm humans by causing breathing difficulty for asthmatics,
coughs in children, and general illness of the respiratory system. Acid rain can harm vegetation and run into lakescoughs in children, and general illness of the respiratory system. Acid rain can harm vegetation and run into lakes
and rivers which changes the chemistry of the water, and makes it potentially uninhabitable for all but acid-and rivers which changes the chemistry of the water, and makes it potentially uninhabitable for all but acid-
tolerant bacteria.tolerant bacteria.
 Nitrogen oxides are produced from burning fuels, including gasoline and coal. (NOx) acid aerosols can reduceNitrogen oxides are produced from burning fuels, including gasoline and coal. (NOx) acid aerosols can reduce
visibility.visibility.

15. Causes of Air PollutionCauses of Air Pollution

16. Asthma and Air PollutionAsthma and Air Pollution

17. Effects of Air PollutionEffects of Air Pollution

18. Effects of Air PollutionEffects of Air Pollution
 Air pollution can cause health problems including burning eyes andAir pollution can cause health problems including burning eyes and
nose, itchy irritated throat, and breathing problems. Some chemicalsnose, itchy irritated throat, and breathing problems. Some chemicals
found in polluted air can cause cancer, birth defects, brain andfound in polluted air can cause cancer, birth defects, brain and
nerve damage, and long-term injury to the lungs and breathingnerve damage, and long-term injury to the lungs and breathing
passages in certain circumstances. Above certain concentrationspassages in certain circumstances. Above certain concentrations
and durations, certain air pollutants are extremely dangerous andand durations, certain air pollutants are extremely dangerous and
can cause severe injury or death.can cause severe injury or death.
 Air pollution can also damage the environment and property. Trees,Air pollution can also damage the environment and property. Trees,
lakes, and animals have been harmed by air pollution. Air pollutionlakes, and animals have been harmed by air pollution. Air pollution
has thinned the protective ozone layer above the Earth. Air pollutionhas thinned the protective ozone layer above the Earth. Air pollution
can damage buildings, monuments, statues, and other structures.can damage buildings, monuments, statues, and other structures.
 Air pollution also can result in haze, which reduces visibility inAir pollution also can result in haze, which reduces visibility in
national parks and elsewhere, and can sometimes interfere withnational parks and elsewhere, and can sometimes interfere with
aviation.aviation.

19. Effects of Air PollutionEffects of Air Pollution
 Global Warming– the increased concentration of carbonGlobal Warming– the increased concentration of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmospheredioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
lead to rise in earth’s average temperature.lead to rise in earth’s average temperature.
 OzoneOzone
 Greenhouse EffectGreenhouse Effect
 Acid Rain comes mainly from sulfur dioxide emitted fromAcid Rain comes mainly from sulfur dioxide emitted from
power plants and smelters and from nitrogen oxidespower plants and smelters and from nitrogen oxides
discharges from power plant and automobiles. Thesedischarges from power plant and automobiles. These
acids are often carried far before falling as rain or snow.acids are often carried far before falling as rain or snow.
Acids corrode metals and even erode stone buildingsAcids corrode metals and even erode stone buildings
and statues.and statues.