Lesson 27 — Activity 1: Air Quality

When we refer to air quality we are talking about the condition of the air in the surrounding environment. Many of us never think about the air we breathe, but we could not live without it. All life on Earth depends on air to survive. Humans can survive only a few minutes without breathing air. In order for plants and animals to survive, they require clean air. When this air becomes polluted, all living things suffer.

In this activity, you will learn more about air quality.

Below you will see information on the six main pollutants that can be very harmful to the health of people, plants, and animals.

1. Carbon monoxide is an odourless, tasteless gas that comes from unburned fossil fuels like coal, oil, wood, gasoline, and natural gas. In humans, this gas affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body, causing slower reflexes and drowsiness. High levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can cause death.

2. Ozone is produced by a combination of certain polluting gases that are cooked by the sun on hot days. The pollutants that form ozone come from cars, factories, landfills, oil products, lawn equipment, paints, gas stations, etc. Ozone can affect the lungs and cause wheezing and coughing. In trees and other plants, the ozone can damage leaves, therefore decreasing the ability of these organisms to produce and store food.

3. Particulate matter is very small solids or liquids from smoke, soot, rubber, small bits of metal, fly ash, and condensing vapours or gases that can remain hanging in the air for a long period of time. Particulate matter can reduce visibility and cause a variety of respiratory problems. In buildings and sculptures, particulate matter can erode the outer surfaces and cause permanent damage.

4. Nitrogen oxide is a colourless and odourless gas. It is a major component of smog that can be seen over large cities. It is produced by burning fuels (gasoline, natural gas, coal, oil) at high temperatures. In humans, this odourless gas can cause lung disease and possibly cancer. Nitrogen oxide can dissolve in water and form acids that can cause metals to corrode and buildings to deteriorate.

5. Lead is a solid metal that can become airborne. It is found in nature, as well as in manufactured products. It is easy to mold or form and was commonly used in ceramics, paints, and water pipes and systems before it was known to be harmful to human life. Exposure to lead can cause nerve and organ damage to all life forms.

6. Sulphur dioxide is a colourless gas formed when sulphur burns. When combined with oxygen, it turns into a pollutant. It is a major component of acid rain. Lakes, forests, and metals can be damaged by acid rain. It can also be released from petroleum refineries, paper mills, and coal-burning power plants.

Self-check!