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