Activity 3.3.1 Air Pollution Core Activity.

 Air Pollution and Its Effects 

Air pollution is something we all experience, even if we don’t notice it. It affects humans, animals, and plants in ways that can be serious. Learning about it makes me realize how important it is to care for the air we breathe every day. 

Sulfur Gases (SO2 and H2S) 

Sulfur gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) can harm the environment in different ways. H2S usually doesn’t reach levels that hurt plants, but accidents at natural gas facilities can cause damage locally (Freedman, 2018, Ch. 16). SO2 is more common in cities and near factories. Even short exposures of 0.7 ppm for one hour can damage plants, while long-term exposure at 0.2 ppm can also harm them (Freedman, 2018, Ch. 16). It surprised me to learn that plants can be affected by amounts that seem so small! Humans are less sensitive than plants, but people with asthma or lung problems can feel the effects at lower levels (Freedman, 2018, Ch. 16). Occupational limits exist to protect workers, but it makes me wonder how many people are exposed unknowingly every day. 

Nitrogen Gases (NO, NO2, NH3, N2O) 

Nitrogen gases can also be tricky. NOx gases contribute to smog and acid rain, which can affect both humans and plants (Freedman, 2018, Ch. 16). While the average person is unlikely to be exposed to harmful amounts, workers in certain industries need to be careful. It made me think about how complex the air we breathe really is and how tiny changes in chemical levels can make a big difference. 

Ozone (O3) 

Ozone is a gas that can be good or bad depending on where it is. High up in the stratosphere, ozone protects us from UV radiation, but at ground level, it’s a pollutant (Freedman, 2018, Ch. 16). For people, too much ozone can irritate the eyes and lungs, trigger asthma, or make breathing harder (Freedman, 2018, Ch. 16). Plants are very sensitive to ozone too. Short exposures of 200–300 ppb can cause visible leaf damage, while even lower levels over time can reduce crop yields (Freedman, 2018, Ch. 16). I found it shocking that something invisible in the air can cost U.S. farmers billions of dollars each year. 

Air Quality Today 

Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which ranges from 0 (good) to 500 (hazardous). PM2.5 represents very fine particles that can reach deep into our lungs, while ozone at high levels can irritate the chest and throat (EPA, 2019). 

Current Air Quality 

Location 

Time of Day 

AQI Current 

AQI Forecast 

PM2.5 

O3 

San Antonio, TX (Where I Live) 

2:30 pm 

50 

55 

23.4 µg/m^3 

31 ppb 

Los Angeles, CA 

2:30 pm 

56 

60 

25 µg/m^3 

33 ppb 

New London, CT (highest) 

2:30 pm 

174 

180 

61 µg/m^3 

174 ppb 

It’s reassuring to see San Antonio’s air is “good” right now. Seeing New London’s unhealthy levels makes me more aware of how much location and weather affect our breathing every day. 

Comparison Standards 

Pollutant 

National Standard 

San Antonio Current 

Time of Day 

PM2.5 

35 µg/m^3 (24-hr avg) 

23.4 µg/m^3 

2:30 pm 

O3 

70 ppb (8-hr avg) 

31 ppb 

2:30 pm 

San Antonio’s PM2.5 and ozone levels are below the limits, which makes me feel grateful. It’s easy to take clean air for granted until you see how bad it can be in other places (EPA, 2019). 

Conclusion 

Learning about air pollution has made me more aware of the invisible risks around us. Gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ground-level ozone affect both people and the environment. By checking air quality, reducing emissions, and following guidelines, we can protect our health and the planet (Freedman, 2018, Ch. 16; EPA, 2019). I personally feel more motivated to pay attention to air quality and make small changes in my life, like walking or biking instead of driving when I can. 

References 

EPA. (2019). Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Freedman, B. (2018). Environmental science: A Canadian perspective. Halifax, Canada: Dalhousie University Libraries. Chapter 16. https://digitaleditions.library.dal.ca/environmentalscience 

I used Grammarly AI to help me with spelling, punctuation, and grammar in this assignment. 

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