Go to the website airnow.gov and research about the air quality index (AQI) in the area you live.

1. Go to the website airnow.gov and research about the air quality index (AQI) in the area you live.

a) How is the AQI defined?

b) What are the major pollutants affecting the air quality in the county and in the state you live?

c) List the main sources of these pollutants.

 2. There was a severe air pollution event In December 1952 in London. Review the history of this catastrophic episode and write a summary of the it. Within the summary you should answer/discuss the following questions about the episode you are reporting on:

• • What were the air pollutants of concern?
  • Why did the levels of the air pollutants build up to dangerous levels during the episode?
  • What were some of the reported human, animal and plant injury/damage as a result of the episode?
  • Does the damage appear consistent with our knowledge of air pollutants effects?
  • What plans have been put in place to prevent an episode like this from occurring in the future?
  • Please list web pages from which the above information was found.

3. Acid rain is mostly a problem in the northeastern US and northern Europe. Why?

4. What is the purpose of an automobile’s catalytic converter? Explain.

5. What coal pollutant is generally removed from by scrubbing? Why won’t filters work on this pollutant?

6. What can be done to reduce acid rain? Explain.