AIR POLLUTION

Introduction to STS

Science Technology and Society is the subject that teach us about how science is used in everyday live. It is all about to educate the society what is the advantage and disadvantages of technology to society. Besides from that, this subject is also about to understand nature.

Air Pollution

2. Indoor pollutionThe release of pollution into the close air such as workplace, school, room, house and etc. The pollutant is higher concentration that outdoor air pollution.

1. Outdoor pollution Can best define as the release of air pollution into an open air.

Sources of Air Pollution (Malaysia)

82%

9%

5%3%0% 1%

Column1

Motor VehiclesPower StationIndustrial Fuel Burn-ingIndustrial Production ProcessesDomestic & Chem-ical FurnaceOpen Burning

Pollutant Substance Included

Carbon monoxide

Carbon dioxide

Fine particulate

matter

Sulphur dioxide

Oxides of nitrogen

Lead

Example of Air Pollution

Among the examples of air pollution are:-o Combustion of Coal: Combustion of coal need special precaution (can

have fatal effects and may lead to death if poisonous gases accumulate)

o Exhaust Gases of Vehicles: Pollution from exhaust gases of vehicles is

responsible for 60% of all air pollution (80% in the cities)

Numbers of harmful chemicals present in these gases (lead - most dangerous)

o Tobacco Smoke: Major forms of indoor pollution (strong

connection between smoking & lung cancer) Bronchitis is common among smokerso Acid rain: Sulfur & nitrogen dioxides + atmospheric

moisture to produce highly acidic rain, snow or fog

Acid rain pollutes water sources, corrode into the stone, brick and metal

Short-term Effects

of Air PollutionEye, nose and

irritation

Allergic Reaction

Bronchitis and pneumonia

Caused by: Smog, ozone, NO2, SO3.

Caused by: OzoneCaused by: PolycyclicAromatic

Hydrocarbon (PAHs)

Smog ->coughing, sneezing, eye watering, burningNO2 ->irritate lungs

and throat.SO2 ->wheezing,short breath, tightening chest.

Burned wood and coal, grilling food and vehicle emission

Acts as a trigger to inflame already existing allergic reactions

LONG TERM EFFECT OF AIR POLLUTION chronic

respiratory disease

damage to the brain, nerves,

liver, or kidneys.

heart disease

lung cancer

die prematurely

Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and complicate medical conditions in the

elderly

smoking cigarettes

HEALTH

combustion of solid fuels for cooking and

space heating

indoor smoke from solid

fuels

SOURCE

smoking cigarettes

Air pollutants can also indirectly affect human health through

acid rain

can contaminate or kill plants, which in

turn may be ingested by wildlife

leaching into soils can alter the pH

levels, making life unsustainable

changes in acidity in water resources can

cause fish kill

can contaminate or kill plants, which in

turn may be ingested by wildlife.

Air pollution has unhealthy effects on people, animals and plant-life across the globe

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Legislation & Mandate

Ambient Air Quality Standards

Management of Mobile Sources

Management of Stationary Sources

Management of Area

Sources

Public & Government Participation

How can you help?

Outdoor

Use hybrid car

Practice carpool

Reference

Brennan, S. & Withgott, J. (2008). Environment: The science behind the stories (3rd Edition). Glenview, IL : Pearson Education, Inc.

Miller & Spoolman. (2010). Environmental Science (13th Edition). Belmont, CA : Brooks/Cole

Air pollution Frequently Asked Question .Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.lenntech.com/faq-air-pollution.htm

Effects of Acid Rain .Retrieved August 15, 2010, from

http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/thomas.wolosz/acid_rain.htm

How can air pollution hurt my health. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/Frames/pollution-health-effects-f.html

Objective questions

1. What do you understand about STS?a) One of the biology subjectb) The compulsory subject need to be

taken to be a doctor.c) The subject that teach society

about advantage and disadvantages of technology.

2. What is indoor and outdoor air pollution?

a) Type of food and drink.b) The pollution that occur at the

open and close air.c) The release of air pollution into an

open and close air.

3. What are the formula of acid rain?a. Sulfur + CO3 + atmospheric moisture

b. Sulfur + lead + NO2

c. Lead + radon + atmospheric moistured. Sulfur + NO2 + atmospheric moisture

4. There is a number of chemical present in the exhaust gases of vehicles. Which is the most harmful?

a. CO3

b. NO2

c. Lead d. CFC

5. Who is the main culprit that triggers the allergic reactions?

a. Ozoneb. SO2

c. NO2

6. What is the chemical substance that lead to bronchitis?

a. PAHS

b. COc. Ozone

7. Which is the main cause of lung cancer ? 

a) sulphur-containing fuelsb) Indoor air pollutionc) Hazardous waste in homed) Combustion of solid fuels for cooking

8. Acid rain's effects include as below, which one is

not?a) Harming fish and other organisms living in

lakes and streamsb) Damaging to materials like those found in

statues and buildingsc) Damaging human healthd) Increase the nutrient on soil for plant

growth

9. Everyone is affected by the quality of our air. Which people in particular are likely to become sick from air pollution?

a. Eldery peopleb. Asthmatic peoplec. People with respiratory diseased. All of the above

10. In 1974, a basic framework for environmental management is set up. What is the name of the framework?

a. Environmental Law of Malaysiab. Environmental Framework of Malaysiac. Environmental Quality Act of Malaysiad. Environmental Legislation of Malaysia

Structure question

1. Name 3 common sources of air pollution in Malaysia. For each, describe one way to reduce the source of pollutant.