Activity 3.3.1 - Air Pollution Core Activity

Air Pollution Basics

Sulfur Pollutants: These sulfur gases are usually colorless but have a strong, recognizable odor. For example, hydrogen sulfide is often compared to the smell of rotten eggs. They can stay in the atmosphere for 1 to 4 days, especially if they react with other compounds nearby. Sulfur gases come from natural sources like volcanoes and wildfires—volcanoes alone can release up to 12 million tons of sulfur gases each year. While they’re not usually harmful to plants, high concentrations from accidental emissions can damage nearby vegetation.

Nitrogen Pollutants: Nitrogen gases are often colorless and, in some cases, odorless, like nitric oxide. These pollutants can last longer in the air, sticking around for 4 to 7 days. They are rarely toxic to plants, so they don’t usually pose a significant threat to vegetation.

Hydrocarbon and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Pollutants: These pollutants are made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They mostly come from natural processes, like the fermentation of organic matter in wetlands. While some VOCs can be toxic, their levels in the atmosphere are generally low and don’t usually harm plants.

Comparison of Current AQI

  • AQI (Air Quality Index) is EPA's air quality report of different places around the world.

 

Time of Day

AQI Current

AQI Forecast

PM2.5

O3

Lahore, Pakistan (highest)

3:41 pm

271Moderate33.4

Helotes, TX (Where I Live)

3:51 pm

21

Good

2119

Los Angeles, CA

3:53 pm

42

Good

42

37

 

The air quality between Helotes, Texas (where I live) and Los Angeles is actually pretty similar. Both places are known for their hot weather, so it wasn’t surprising that their AQI levels were close. But when you compare them to Lahore, Pakistan, the difference is huge, and you can see that just by looking at the numbers in the chart above.

Helotes, Texas, usually has air quality that ranges between "Moderate" and "Good" for things like Ozone and PM2.5, depending on the time of year. On the other hand, Lahore has much higher levels, often landing in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" or even "Unhealthy" range overall.

Comparison of Current PM2.5/03

When we talk about PM2.5, we’re referring to tiny particles in the air that can be really dangerous when levels get too high. Ozone (O3) is another air pollutant, mostly found in the stratosphere and troposphere. While ozone in the stratosphere is actually helpful because it absorbs harmful UV rays from the Sun, the ozone in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) can be bad for your health.

PM2.5 can be a serious health hazard, especially if you’re exposed to high levels over time. It can cause things like respiratory problems or even lead to premature death. As for O3, some people and animals are sensitive to it, and it can irritate the eyes, mess with lung function, and cause similar respiratory issues.

National Standard

San Antonio Current measured over 1 hour

Time of Day

PM2.5

Average measured over 1-hour levels - 35 μg/m3

11.7 µg/m3

10:50 pm

O3 

Average measured over 1-hour levels - 70 ppb (137 µg/m3) 

24 ppb

10:52 pm



 References 

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019, June 18).Air quality index basics. Air Now. https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi

AirNow.gov. (n.d.). https://www.airnow.gov

AirNow Interactive Map. (n.d.). https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/?showgreencontours=false

Current Ozone 1-Hour Levels. (n.d.). https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/select_curlev.pl

GeoTAM. (n.d.). https://tceq.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ab6f85198bda483a997a6956a8486539

Latest Hourly PM-2.5 Levels. (n.d.). https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/select_curlev.pl?user_param=88502

Live Animated Air Quality. (n.d.). https://www.iqair.com/us/air-quality-map

Inhalable Particule Matter and Health (PM2.5 and PM10). (n.d.). https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health#:~:text=Fine%20particulate%20matter%20is%20defined,diameter%20(PM2.5).

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