Air Quality

Section 15-4

Sources of Pollution

• Pollutants – harmful substances in the air, water or soil.

• Natural sources – fires, soil erosion, dust storms, volcanoes, mold, and pollen

• Human Activity – farming, construction, burning fossil fuels

Smog and Acid Rain

• London-type smog – smoke from factories and fog polluted London• Photochemical smog – formed by the action of sunlight on pollutants such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides

Acid Rain

• Acid rain – rain that is more acidic than normal. Moisture in air mixes with nitrogen oxides or sulfur oxides• Damages buildings, statues. Kills animals and

plants

Environmental Protection Agency

• EPA – government agency that monitors air pollution in the US.