Particulate matter, or tiny particles, are very small pieces of solid or liquid material that float in the air. An aerosol is a mix of these tiny particles and air, not the particles themselves. These particles can come from natural causes or human activities.
Particulate matter (PM), also called particulates, are tiny solid or liquid particles that float in the air. An aerosol is a mix of these particles and air, different from the particulate matter itself. Particulate matter can come from natural sources or human activities.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside buildings and structures. Poor IAQ caused by indoor air pollution can harm the health, comfort, and well-being of people who live or work in those spaces. It is connected to health problems such as sick building syndrome, breathing difficulties, lower work or school performance, and trouble learning.
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air that can harm people, animals, plants, or the environment. These harmful substances, called pollutants, can be gases such as ozone or nitrogen oxides, or tiny particles like soot and dust. Both air inside and outside buildings can be polluted.
Smog, also called smoke fog, is a serious type of air pollution. The word “smog” was created in the early 1900s by combining the words “smoke” and “fog.” It describes a thick, smoky fog that is hard to see through and has a strong smell. This kind of pollution, known as “pea soup fog,” was a major problem in London from the 1800s to the middle of the 1900s.
Smog, also called smoke fog, is a serious type of air pollution. The word “smog” was created in the early 1900s by combining the words “smoke” and “fog.” It describes a thick, smoky fog that is hard to see through and has a strong smell. This type of pollution was known as “pea soup fog” in London from the 1800s to the middle of the 1900s.
Freshwater acidification happens when acids enter lakes, ponds, or reservoirs. This can occur through the breakdown of rocks, the entry of acidic gases like carbon dioxide, or the decrease of certain chemicals such as sulfate and nitrate in the water. The main causes of freshwater acidification are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which enter water from rain and soil runoff.
Acid rain is rain or other forms of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning it has higher amounts of hydrogen ions, which makes its pH level lower than normal. Most water, such as drinking water, has a neutral pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Acid rain has a pH level lower than this, usually between 4 and 5.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is an international agreement that helps countries slowly reduce the use and making of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This agreement is legally binding, meaning countries must follow the rules set by international law. The Montreal Protocol was first created to protect and repair the ozone layer.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are chemicals that contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), chlorine (Cl), and fluorine (F). These substances are created as volatile chemicals from methane, ethane, and propane. A common CFC is dichlorodifluoromethane, also known as R-12 or Freon.