- Mercury is not particularly toxic as a metal but it is very dangerous in its organic
form. How does mercury convert from the metal to the organic form? - In what two ways does deforestation contribute to air pollution?
Vocabulary
lead A heavy metal found in a large number of products. Exposure to too much lead causes
lead poisoning, which harms people’s brain and blood.
mercury A heavy metal that enters the atmosphere primarily from coal-burning power
plants. Mercury that has been converted to an organic form (methylmercury) is highly
toxic.
ozone Three oxygen atoms bonded together in an O 3 molecule. Ozone in the lower at-
mosphere is a pollutant but in the upper atmosphere protects life from ultraviolet
radiation.
particulates Particles like ash, dust and fecal matter in the air. Particulates may be
caused by natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions or dust storms, or they may
be caused by human activities, like burning fossil fuels or biomass.
photochemical smog This type of air pollution results from a chemical reaction between
pollutants in the presence of sunshine.
slash-and-burn agriculture In the tropics, rainforest plants are slashed down and then
burned to clear the land for agriculture.
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Pollutants that evaporate into the atmosphere
from solvents and other humanmade compounds. Some VOCs occur naturally.
Points to Consider
- Despite the Clean Air Act, the air over many regions in the United States is still not
clean. Why? - How do pollutants damage human health?
- In what ways does air pollution harm the environment?