What factors determine air quality?
When studying air quality, it is important to measure the following factors as they can help us understand the chemical reactions that occur in the atmosphere:
- wind speed and direction.
- temperature.
- humidity.
- rainfall.
- solar radiation.
What makes the air quality better?
Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions. Some sources, like those that contain asbestos, can be sealed or enclosed; others, like gas stoves, can be adjusted to decrease the amount of emissions.
What are the 7 criteria air pollutants?
The criteria air pollutants include particle pollution, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. These pollutants can harm your health and the environment, and cause property damage.
How is air quality regulated?
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA sets limits on certain air pollutants, including setting limits on how much can be in the air anywhere in the United States. The Clean Air Act also gives EPA the authority to limit emissions of air pollutants coming from sources like chemical plants, utilities, and steel mills.
Are VOCs a criteria pollutant?
VOCs are an important pollutant because of their contribution to the formation of ground-level ozone. When VOCs are released into the atmosphere, they react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) to create ozone molecules.
What does the government do for air pollution?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets limits on certain air pollutants. It also enforces federal laws on clean water and safe drinking water. The EPA also enforces federal regulations to limit the impact of businesses on the environment.
What are four major laws that attempt to control air pollution?
Four major regulatory programs affecting stationary sources were initiated: the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS, pronounced “knacks”), State Implementation Plans (SIPs), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs).
What does AQI 102 mean?
AQI values at and below 100 are generally considered to be satisfactory. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is considered to be unhealthy, at first for members of populations at greatest risk of a health effect, then for the entire population as AQI values get higher (greater than 150).