In the United States, the Clean Air Act sets national ambient air quality standards for six common air pollutants: particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), ground-level ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and lead (Pb). Read about each of these, their common sources, and the Air Quality Index (AQI) at this Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) site: Six Common Air Pollutants. Expand your understanding of the health effects of the different types of air pollutants, specifically the issues associated with indoor air pollution, by reading Section IV of the Encyclopedia of Energy. Compare the differences in indoor air pollution and how it differs between industrialized and developing nations.
Select a city or region in any country in the world and research the typical air quality and possible sources of pollutants for that area. Then note what area you selected and describe why it particularly interested you. Describe what the sources of emissions are in this area. How has this changed over time?
NOTE: Make sure you read through your classmates’ posts so that you are not covering a city or region that someone else has already researched. Use web searches such as “air quality in (insert city or region that you are interested in learning more about).”
Then, research the air quality where you currently live. Note the region you are in and summarize your findings, including main sources of emissions for your region. How has this changed over time? Relate your initial post to this week’s readings and resources. Follow proper citation methods.
