UNIT 7 ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
7.1 Introduction to Air Pollution
- 7.1a Describe primary versus secondary air pollutants and discuss how the Clean Air Act has improved air quality in the U.S. for criteria air pollutants.
- 7.1b Investigate how the burning of coal and diesel fuels can affect air quality and the consequences of combustion on the atmosphere.
- 7.1c Describe the primary and secondary pollutants that result from the combustion of fossil fuels.
- Textbook correlation Chapter 12, Module 35; Chapter 15, Module 46
7.2 Photochemical Smog
- 7.2a Detail the formation of photochemical smog, including the chemical reactions that transform primary into secondary pollutants.
- 7.2b Discuss the human health impacts of photochemical smog and provide solutions for its reduction.
- Textbook correlation Chapter 15, Modules 47-48
7.3 Thermal Inversion
- 7.3a Explain the phenomenon of thermal inversions and how these events increase pollution’s effects for regions with specific topography.
- Textbook correlation Chapter 15, Module 47
7.4 Atmospheric CO2 and Particulates
- 7.4a Identify and describe natural sources of carbon dioxide and particulate matter in the atmosphere.
- Textbook correlation Chapter 15, Module 46
7.5 Indoor Air Pollutants
- 7.5a Introduce the sources and classifications of indoor air pollution found in homes, schools, and buildings.
- 7.5b Investigate human-made indoor air pollutants that can be in our homes and schools.
- 7.5c Describe how radon can infiltrate homes and other buildings and the human health consequences of radon exposure.
- Textbook correlation Chapter 15, Module 50
7.6 Reduction of Air Pollutants
- 7.6a Introduce how regulations like the Clean Air Act, conservation, and alternative fuels can reduce air pollutants at the source.
- 7.6b Explain two technologies used for reducing air pollution associated with transportation.
- 7.6c Explain how scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators are technologies used to reduce emissions from industry and energy production.
- Textbook correlation Chapter 15, Module 48
7.7 Acid Rain
- 7.7a Describe how acid deposition is formed from natural and anthropogenic sources.
- 7.7b Describe how acid rain damages forest and aquatic systems and man-made structures and how those impacts vary regionally.
- Textbook correlation Chapter 15, Module 47
7.8 Noise Pollution
- 7.8a Describe activities that result in noise pollution and its effect on humans.
- 7.8b Describe effects of noise pollution on animals in ecological systems.
- Textbook correlation Chapter 10 (TE), Module 30; Chapter 14, Module 44