Air Pollution

Feb 23 8:45-9:45 Sunny day

Story of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion is a presentation by Norah, Rose, Mattie, and me. It's about the hole in the ozone. the details include how it got there, where it is, and the regulations around it. We also included things like point and nonpoint sources, history, chemical makeup, and how it affects people's health. 

Group 1 Juju, Carrie, Enrico, Emma

Name: Acid deposition and mercury deposition. 

This group did a great presentation on acid and mercury deposition. I learned that Mercury is a toxic and poisonous liquid. The way it's exposed to people is through inhalation, ingestion, and contact are all direct ways to come into contact. An indirect way is through eating fish. The pollution used to be much worse in the 90s, but the Clean Air Act has helped a lot. Mercy comes from waste incinerators. Naturally, it comes from volcanoes and fires. The chemical can mix in the air, causing acid rain, which is bad for the environment. 

"Everyone did a pretty good job during their presentations."-Rose

Group 2 Kellen, Luke, An

Name: Photochemical smog/Brown smog

Sunlight mixed with motor vehicle exhaust is the thing that causes most of the brown smog. . Oxygen, nitrate oxide, and nitrogen dioxide are its chemical makeup. No2 is what makes it brown. It can be found in the troposphere. Big cities and urban areas with a lot of sun have a lot more photochemical smog, including places like LA. brown smog is estimated to have caused 40,000 premature deaths. The smog is bad for plant leaves, and it can cause cancer. It started appearing in 1943. California air resources board has made a big effect in fighting this smog and the clean air act. In 33 states, you have to monitor exhaust. 

"Photochemical Smog is a brownish haze from chemicals from cars and factories and other unclean greenhouse gas producers."-Luke

Group 3 Conrad, Whitney, Mark

Name: Industrial smog/gray smog

Smog is a form of air pollution caused by fossil fuel combustion. Industrial smog releases a lot of carbon dioxide as well as mercury and other chemicals. Gray smog started during the industrial revolution. Gray smog can cause acid rain and fog. Smog can also cause respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease and, in severe cases, can cause lung cancer it might cause birth defects. The smog can also cause the same respiratory problems for large animals. Birds are especially affected because of proximity. Gray smog can be found in China, India, and Eastern Europe. The Clean Air Act has made the problem much better in recent years.

"Prolonged exposure leads to fatal events such as lung cancer, and teratogens"-Conrad

Thermal inversion being captured at Mac House dorm.