Sources and Classification of Air Pollution

This article discusses the sources and classification of air pollution. It specifically focuses on the gases sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Questions

1. What are the two main types of air pollutants?
2. What are the sources of sulfur dioxide?
3. What are the effects of sulfur dioxide on the environment?
4. What are the sources of hydrogen sulfide?
5. What are the effects of hydrogen sulfide on the environment?

Answers

1. The two main types of air pollutants are primary pollutants and secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants are emitted directly into the atmosphere from sources such as cars, power plants, and industrial facilities. Secondary pollutants are formed when primary pollutants react with other chemicals in the atmosphere.
2. Sulfur dioxide is produced by burning sulfur-containing fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Coal-burning power plants are a major source of sulfur dioxide emissions. Sulfur dioxide is one of the major components of acid rain, which can damage trees, lakes, and buildings. It can also irritate the respiratory system and cause respiratory problems such as asthma.
3. Hydrogen sulfide is a foul-smelling gas that is formed due to anaerobic biological decomposition, volcanoes, and natural water springs. Major industries that produce H2S are paper and pulp, petroleum refining, and natural gas processing. Hydrogen sulfide can be very corrosive to lung tissue and can cause respiratory problems such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.