CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
In the preindustrial era, what was the primary source of air pollution in cities?
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Given the relationship between asthma and air pollution, where would you raise a family to decrease the risk of asthma?
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Air pollution that results when chemicals in the atmosphere react to form a new pollutant is called:
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According to the chapter, over 35.5 million people in the United States and Canada have been diagnosed with asthma. What is the estimated economic cost related to caring for the U.S. patients?
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Which of the following is NOT a financial incentive to encourage less pollution?
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What pollutant did Canada add to the CEPA Schedule of Toxic Substances so that it can be regulated, despite denying that it is toxic?
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WORK WITH IDEAS
Using the information presented in Infographic 21.6, explain why indoor air pollution is a cause of growing concern, especially with regard to health problems.
Compare and contrast point source and non-point source pollution. Provide examples of common pollutants from each source. Explain why industrial pollutants are found in even the most remote places on Earth.
List the six criteria air pollutants regulated by the EPA. How have the levels of the pollutants in the atmosphere changed since the Clean Air Act/CEPA were implemented? Based on your answer, would you say that the Clean Air Act has been successful at reducing air pollution?
Describe the policy of cap-and-trade. What are some downsides to it? Why do some members of industry dislike this policy as a means of dealing with increasing levels of CO2?
Describe the types of problems that air pollution causes in ecosystems and human health. What is the overall impact in terms of worldwide mortality?
Where do you personally receive the most exposure to air pollution? What can you do to lessen its impact?