Chapter 10, Problem 1AL

To determine

The list of six pollutants.

Answer to Problem 1AL

The list of six pollutants includes are sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds.

Explanation of Solution

The pollution of air occurs when there is excessive amount of harmful substances are introduced in the atmosphere of Earth. The control on the pollution of air has evolved gradually. In 1963, Clean Air Act was the first national legislation in the United States that aimed the quality of air. The act provided “federal grants” to prevent the pollution in states but was careful to preserve the rights regarding the regulation of air quality.

U.S. Clean Air Act has listed six “criteria” pollutants which include:

(i) Volatile Organic Compounds.

(ii) Particulate matter.

(iii) Nitrogen oxides.

(iv) Lead.

(v) Sulfur dioxide.

(vi) Carbon monoxide.

All of these six major pollutants are referred as criteria pollutants or conventional pollutants because they contribute to huge amount of air quality degradation and also considered as threat to human health and welfare.