Major causes of natural air pollution

Pollen

Volcanic mountains

Forest fires

Lightning

Dust

Anthropogenic air pollution

Burning of fossil fuels

Using aerosols and substances that release CFC’s which make the ozone layer thin. Also fumes from hairspray, varnish and paint.

From auto-mobiles

Coal power plants, waste incinerator

Dumping materials in landfills which generate methane

Smelting of lead

How does the clean air act regulate anthropogenic emissions?

The Clean Air Act’s main goal was to protect public health from air pollution. It addressed acid rain, urban smog, ozone protection, air pollution and VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), Whilst using coal for energy, this act requires that 90% reduction in sulfur containing gas. It also mandates that any combustion units all have scrubbers and air quality structures.

What is photochemical smog

It’s also referred to as brown smog and it’s formed mostly on sunny days. During the morning as people drive to work, the concentration of VOC’s and oxides of nitrogen increase. These all rise up and react forming nitrogen dioxide. Towards noon as the amount of sunlight increases, the nitrogen dioxide breaks down thus increasing the concentration of ozone. The nitrogen dioxide also reacts with water vapor in the air forming nitric acid and nitric oxide. The nitrogen oxide may further reacts with VOC’s in the air and forms PAN’s (Peroxacyl Nitrates). As the sun goes down, the production of ozone halts.

Harmful effects of photochemical smog

Painful irritation on the respiratory system of young children and old people

Triggers Asthma attacks

Decline in crop yield due to crop sensitivity (Tobacco and spinach plants)

Kills small animals who are not adapted to breathe it in

Lead to premature deaths