Section 1: Multiple-
Choose the best answer for questions 1–
Questions 1–
CO
CH4
NO2
SO2
PM10
1. A pungent reddish-
2. A corrosive gas from burning coal often associated with industrial smog
3. A dangerous indoor air pollutant
4. Emitted from both diesel and burning wood
5. All of the following are examples of primary air pollutants except
sulfur dioxide.
carbon dioxide.
tropospheric ozone.
nitrogen oxide.
particulates.
6. The greatest emission of sulfur dioxide comes from
on-
biofuels.
industrial processes.
electricity generation.
fires.
7. The least amount of nitrogen oxide emissions comes from
on-
fossil fuel combustion.
industrial processes.
electricity generation.
fires.
8. The accumulation of tropospheric ozone at night depends mainly upon the atmospheric concentration of
nitrogen dioxide.
volatile organics.
chlorofluorocarbons.
sulfates and nitrates.
nitric acid.
9. Under natural conditions the pH of rainfall is closest to
8.5.
7.1.
5.6.
4.5.
3.1.
10.The effects of acid deposition include all of the following except
mobilization of metal ions from the soil into surface water.
increased numbers of salamanders in ponds and streams.
reduced food sources for aquatic organisms.
erosion of marble buildings and statues.
erosion of painted automobile finishes and metals.
11.The World Health Organization estimates that over half of the deaths worldwide due to indoor air pollution occur among
children less than 5 years old.
elderly people over 65 years of age.
people who work in office buildings.
workers in the smelting industry.
workers who manufacture asbestos.
12.Two major factors involved in the conversion of primary pollutants into secondary pollutants are
sunlight and water.
sulfates and sunlight.
water and volatile organics.
nitrogen oxides and sulfates.
sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid.
13.The pollutant least likely to be emitted from a smokestack would be
carbon monoxide.
carbon dioxide.
ozone.
sulfur dioxide.
particulates.
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14.How might the increased use of insulation in a home affect air pollution?
Some common insulation off-
The production of insulation releases large amounts of particulate matter.
Increased insulation can create indoor air pollution problems.
Insulation prevents problems with radon in homes.
Good insulation can help prevent sick building syndrome.
15.The EPA identifies all of the following as reasons for sick building syndrome except
faulty ventilation systems.
emissions from carpets and furniture.
contamination from outdoor air.
contamination from molds and pollen.
high levels of radon in the basement.
16.Which statement regarding the decreased levels of stratospheric ozone is correct?
Increased photosynthetic activity has been measured in the phytoplankton around Antarctica.
The largest decrease in the level of stratospheric ozone over the Arctic region occurs between January and April.
Although the Montreal Protocol led to a reduction in the use of CFCs, it will have little effect on stratospheric ozone levels in the long term.
There is no correlation between the incidence of cataracts and skin cancers and the lower levels of stratospheric ozone.
The global crop yields of wheat, rice, and corn have increased since the reduction in CFC use.
17.Which is most strongly absorbed by ozone in the stratosphere?
UV-
UV-
UV-
UV-
UV-
18.Natural sources of air pollution include all of the following except
forest fires.
volcanic eruptions.
waterfalls.
dust storms.
conifer trees.
19.A thermal inversion
rarely occurs in cities but is common in rural areas.
helps remove pollutants from the atmosphere.
leads to decreased amounts of ground-
occurs when a warm air layer overlies a cooler layer.
occurs when a cool air layer overlies a warmer layer.
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Section 2: Free-
Write your answer to each part clearly. Support your answers with relevant information and examples. Where calculations are required, show your work.
1. The table below shows the ambient air data collected for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Examine the data and answer the following questions.
Based on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the 2008 standard for ozone states that the average ozone levels are not to exceed 0.075 ppm (75 ppb) in any 8-
Ozone is classified as a secondary pollutant. Identify the primary pollutants necessary for its formation and describe how tropospheric ozone is formed. (2 points)
Identify two relationships between the data presented. Apply these relationships to your answer in (b) to explain the pattern of ozone levels in Pittsburgh. (4 points)
Explain how the same ozone that is harmful in the troposphere is beneficial in the stratosphere. (2 points)
2008 Monthly Ambient Air Monitoring Report, Pittsburgh, PA
Month | Monthly maximum ozone levels (ppb) | Monthly average ozone levels (ppb) | Monthly average solar radiation (watts/m3) |
January | 37 | 14 | 65 |
February | 49 | 15 | 63 |
March | 56 | 23 | 86 |
April | 76 | 31 | 81 |
May | 75 | 27 | 152 |
June | 77 | 32 | 208 |
July | 95 | 31 | 215 |
August | 92 | 27 | 204 |
September | 89 | 20 | 153 |
October | 48 | 14 | 109 |
November | 57 | 12 | 64 |
December | 30 | 14 | 45 |
Source: http:/
2. The following appeared in Medical News Today on November 28, 2003.
Ultraviolet light in ventilation system cures sick building syndrome
So-
Researchers from the Montreal Chest Institute in Canada tested three offices in the city where people suffered from SBS. They installed UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) in the ventilation systems of the buildings and compared reports of illness when the lights were turned on with sickness rates when they were off.
The lights resulted in a 20 percent reduction in all symptoms. There were 40 percent fewer complaints about respiratory problems and a 30 percent reduction in people complaining of stuffy noses. Muscular complaints also halved, according to the study.
Scientists said the UVGI killed the bacteria and molds in ventilation systems. Installing the systems would be relatively cheap and could save companies millions by reducing rates of sickness...
Source: Excerpted from http:/
According to the article, what is the cause of sick building syndrome and what are the advantages of this cure? (3 points)
What other sources of indoor pollution contribute to sick building syndrome? Will ultraviolet light be effective against these sources? Suggest one additional control measure that would be effective against SBS. (4 points)
Will the cure mentioned in the article be effective against indoor pollution in developing countries? Discuss why or why not. (3 points)