Properties & Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

Why is carbon monoxide a dangerous pollutant that is hard to detect?

It is a toxic gas, and it is colourless and odourless so it is not easily detected.

What two problems are caused by sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen in the air?

They cause respiratory problems in humans and they cause acid rain.

What problems are caused by particulates in the atmosphere?

Global dimming and health problems for humans.

True or false? Acid rain can erode limestone buildings and statues and damage plants and trees.

True. Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen dissolve in water in the air to make rain acidic, which reacts with limestone and harms plants and lakes.

True or false? Particulates in the atmosphere cause global dimming because they trap heat near the Earth's surface.

False. They reflect sunlight back into space, so less sunlight reaches the surface — they also cause human health problems.

What is the environmental benefit of removing sulfur impurities from a fuel before it is burned?

Less sulfur dioxide is emitted, so there is less acid rain (and fewer respiratory problems).