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What causes air pollution?
Primarily the burning of fossil fuels (combustion) which releases byproducts and impurities into the air.
Why are cities in valleys prone to thermal inversions?
Valleys trap cool air, allowing a layer of warm air to settle above, trapping pollutants.
Why is indoor air pollution a concern?
People spend significant time indoors, and poor ventilation can trap harmful contaminants.
How does sunlight contribute to smog formation?
Sunlight provides the energy for NOx and VOCs to react and form tropospheric ozone, a major smog component.
What makes tropospheric ozone a secondary pollutant?
It's formed by the interaction of primary pollutants (NOx, VOCs) with sunlight.
Explain the role of nitrogen oxides in smog formation.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight to form photochemical smog.
What is the impact of thermal inversion on air quality?
It traps polluted air, leading to prolonged periods of poor air quality and increased health risks.
Why are older buildings more likely to have asbestos?
Asbestos was commonly used as a building material in the past due to its fire-resistant properties.
How does public transportation reduce air pollution?
By reducing the number of individual car trips, it lowers overall emissions from vehicles.
What is the relationship between combustion and air pollution?
Combustion, especially of fossil fuels, releases pollutants like CO, NO2, SO2, and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
What are the steps of photochemical smog formation?
1. NOx and VOCs are released. 2. They react with heat and sunlight. 3. Tropospheric ozone (O3) forms.
How does Nitrogen Dioxide form?
Nitric oxide (NO) oxidizes in the atmosphere to form Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).
How can renewable energy reduce air pollution?
It replaces fossil fuels, reducing emissions of pollutants like SO2, NOx, and particulate matter.
How does improving fuel efficiency help?
Reduces the amount of fuel burned per mile, lowering emissions of pollutants from vehicles.
How does using public transport reduce air pollution?
It decreases the number of individual vehicles on the road, lowering overall emissions.
How can stricter emission standards help protect the environment?
By limiting the amount of pollutants that can be released, leading to cleaner air and reduced health risks.
How does proper ventilation improve indoor air quality?
It circulates fresh air, diluting and removing indoor air pollutants, reducing exposure and health risks.
How does planting trees help reduce air pollution?
Trees absorb pollutants like ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, improving air quality in urban areas.
How can green building design reduce indoor air pollution?
Using low-VOC materials, improving ventilation, and incorporating air purification systems can create healthier indoor environments.