Go to: http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/gooduphigh/
Click on: Good Up High
Answer the following questions in your own words: (On separate piece of paper)
1: How can ozone be both good and bad? Ozone occurs in two layers of the atmosphere. The layer closest to the Earth's surface is the troposphere. Here, ground-level or "bad" ozone is an air pollutant that is harmful to breathe and it damages crops, trees and other vegetation. It is a main ingredient of urban smog.
2: What is happening to the “good” ozone layer?
Ozone is produced naturally in the stratosphere. But this "good" ozone is gradually being destroyed by man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.
3: How much damage can 1 Chlorine atom do? Explain.
There they are broken down by the intensity of the sun's UV rays and release chlorine and bromine molecules, which destroy the "good" ozone. Scientists estimate that one chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 "good" ozone molecules.
4: How does the “good” ozone protect the Earth?
Ozone depletion can cause increased amounts of UV radiation to reach the Earth which can lead to more cases of skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired immune systems. Overexposure to UV is believed to be contributing to the increase in melanoma, the most fatal of all skin cancers.
5: What is being done about ozone depletion?
Warning labels must be placed on all products containing CFCs or similar substances and nonessential uses of ozone-depleting products are prohibited. Releases into the air of refrigerants used in car and home air conditioning units and appliances are also prohibited.
Click on: Bad Nearby
1: What causes “bad” ozone?
At ground level, ozone is a harmful pollutant. Ozone pollution is a concern during the summer months because strong sunlight and hot weather result in harmful ozone concentrations in the air we breathe. Many urban and suburban areas throughout the United States have high levels of "bad" ozone.
2: What are some sources of bad ozone?
Ground-level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC.
3: How does “bad” ozone affect human health and environment?
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. "Bad" ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
4: What is being done about “bad” ozone?
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has set protective health-based standards for ozone in the air we breathe. EPA, state, and cities have instituted a variety of multi-faceted programs to meet these health-based standards. Throughout the country, additional programs are being put into place to cut NOx and VOC emissions from vehicles, industrial facilities, and electric utilities.
5: What can we do/actions can we take to reduce our risks?
Programs are also aimed at reducing pollution by reformulating fuels and consumer/commercial products, such as paints and chemical solvents, that contain VOC. Voluntary programs also encourage communities to adopt practices, such as carpooling, to reduce harmful emissions.
Ozone- Air Now
Go to: www.epa.gov/airnow/
In the far right corner- choose “Ozone”- found under Air Quality Basics. Read about
good and bad ozone and answer the following questions.
1: Where is the good ozone located and what is its function?
Ozone occurs naturally in the Earth's upper atmosphere - 6 to 30 miles above the Earth's surface - where it forms a protective layer that shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
2: What depletes good ozone?
An area where the protective "ozone layer" has been significantly depleted-for example, over the North or South pole-is sometimes called "the ozone hole.”
3: How does “bad” ozone affect human health and environment?
In the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant.
4: What is being done about “bad” ozone?
In the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant.
5: What can we do/actions can we take to reduce our risks?
Ground level or bad ozone is not emitted dirently into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between NOs and VOCs in the presence of heat&sunlight
Go to: www.epa.gov/airnow/
In the far right corner- choose “Ozone”- found under Air Quality Basics. Read about good and bad ozone and answer the following questions.
1: Where is the good ozone located and what is its function?
Ozone occurs naturally in the Earth's upper atmosphere - 6 to 30 miles above the Earth's surface - where it forms a protective layer that shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
2: What depletes good ozone?
An area where the protective "ozone layer" has been significantly depleted-for example, over the North or South pole-is sometimes called "the ozone hole.”
3: Where is the bad ozone located and what creates it? What does NOX and VOC stand for?
In the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant.Ground level or bad ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between NOs and VOCs in the presence of heat&sunlight,
4: List three health problems associated with bad ozone. (Hint: You may need to go to Ozone and your Health- How can ground-level ozone affect your health?)
*Reduce lung function
*Cell damage
*Lung disease
5: Scroll down to the Air Quality Index Color Chart- Write down a one-word descriptor of each color code.
*Green- Good
*Yellow-Moderate
*Orange-Unhealthy for sensitive groups
*Red-Unhealthy
*Purple-Very unhealthy
6: After answering this question, go back to Air Now at: www.epa.gov/airnow/
In the far left corner, choose National Overview and then choose Ozone Now.
What is the current ozone reading for our area? ________ (use color code)
Yellow
The AQI for Students
Go to: How Ozone is Formed- Watch the video and take notes.
Go to: O3- Good Up High, Bad Nearby- Watch the video and take notes.
Smog City 2- Save the Smog City from Ozone
Go to: www.smogcity2.org
Which set of conditions produce the best possible scenario for the city?
Daily weather conditions can significantly affect ozone and particle pollutionlevels. Ozone levels are highest in the summer when high temperatures, calm winds, and lots of sunshine prevail. In the real world we can't control the weather, but in Smog City 2 you can experiment with how the weather affects pollution levels by adjusting the controls.
Which set of conditions produce the worst scenario for the people, animals and plants of Smog City?
Particle pollution is some particles are emitted directly from sources such asconstruction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires. Others form when chemicals such as sulfur dioxides (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)are emitted into the atmosphere. NOx is produced from burning fuels, including gasoline and diesel fuel. SO2 is produced from combustion of fuels containing sulfur, which includes some coals. Particle pollution can occur year-round.
Summary: On your paper, write a 2-3 paragraph summary about what you have learned
about ozone, ozone depletion, ozone destruction and air quality by completing this
assignment. Make sure to use the new vocabulary that you have learned.
The oxygen we find in our atmosphere is made up of two oxygen atoms. Scientists use the symbol to indicate this oxygen compound. makes up approximately 21% of the atmosphere we breathe. Because of its chemical formulation, a single atom of oxygen is unstable. That is, it wants to combine with something else. That is why oxygen is almost always found in pairs, in its (diatomic) form, where it is more stable.Ozone is both good news and bad news! When ozone exists in the stratosphere, it protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays; however, when ozone exists in our troposphere along with the air we breathe, we consider it a major health and environmental concern.The ozone layer is a belt of naturally occurring ozone gas that sits 9.3 to 18.6 miles (15 to 30 kilometers) above Earth and serves as a shield from the harmful ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun. Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. It is constantly being formed and broken down in the high atmosphere, 6.2 to 31 miles (10 to 50 kilometers) above Earth, in the region called the stratosphere.
The set of conditions that produce the worst scenario for the people, animals and plants of Smog City is when the weather is cloudy, when there are lots of cars, trucks and planes, when there is high industry, and high population. It's bad when the weather is kind of cold.The set of conditions that produce the best possible scenario for the city is when the weather is sunny, with cloud sky cover, when temperature is high, when there are less cars and trucks, less off road transportation, and most importantly, when there is a small population.Bad ozone is located in the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant.There they are broken down by the intensity of the sun's UV rays and release chlorine and bromine molecules, which destroy the "good" ozone. Scientists estimate that one chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 "good" ozone molecules.
Click on: Good Up High
Answer the following questions in your own words: (On separate piece of paper)
1: How can ozone be both good and bad? Ozone occurs in two layers of the atmosphere. The layer closest to the Earth's surface is the troposphere. Here, ground-level or "bad" ozone is an air pollutant that is harmful to breathe and it damages crops, trees and other vegetation. It is a main ingredient of urban smog.
2: What is happening to the “good” ozone layer?
Ozone is produced naturally in the stratosphere. But this "good" ozone is gradually being destroyed by man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.
3: How much damage can 1 Chlorine atom do? Explain.
There they are broken down by the intensity of the sun's UV rays and release chlorine and bromine molecules, which destroy the "good" ozone. Scientists estimate that one chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 "good" ozone molecules.
4: How does the “good” ozone protect the Earth?
Ozone depletion can cause increased amounts of UV radiation to reach the Earth which can lead to more cases of skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired immune systems. Overexposure to UV is believed to be contributing to the increase in melanoma, the most fatal of all skin cancers.
5: What is being done about ozone depletion?
Warning labels must be placed on all products containing CFCs or similar substances and nonessential uses of ozone-depleting products are prohibited. Releases into the air of refrigerants used in car and home air conditioning units and appliances are also prohibited.
Click on: Bad Nearby
1: What causes “bad” ozone?
At ground level, ozone is a harmful pollutant. Ozone pollution is a concern during the summer months because strong sunlight and hot weather result in harmful ozone concentrations in the air we breathe. Many urban and suburban areas throughout the United States have high levels of "bad" ozone.
2: What are some sources of bad ozone?
Ground-level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC.
3: How does “bad” ozone affect human health and environment?
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. "Bad" ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
4: What is being done about “bad” ozone?
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has set protective health-based standards for ozone in the air we breathe. EPA, state, and cities have instituted a variety of multi-faceted programs to meet these health-based standards. Throughout the country, additional programs are being put into place to cut NOx and VOC emissions from vehicles, industrial facilities, and electric utilities.
5: What can we do/actions can we take to reduce our risks?
Programs are also aimed at reducing pollution by reformulating fuels and consumer/commercial products, such as paints and chemical solvents, that contain VOC. Voluntary programs also encourage communities to adopt practices, such as carpooling, to reduce harmful emissions.
Ozone- Air Now
Go to: www.epa.gov/airnow/
In the far right corner- choose “Ozone”- found under Air Quality Basics. Read about
good and bad ozone and answer the following questions.
1: Where is the good ozone located and what is its function?
Ozone occurs naturally in the Earth's upper atmosphere - 6 to 30 miles above the Earth's surface - where it forms a protective layer that shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
2: What depletes good ozone?
An area where the protective "ozone layer" has been significantly depleted-for example, over the North or South pole-is sometimes called "the ozone hole.”
3: How does “bad” ozone affect human health and environment?
In the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant.
4: What is being done about “bad” ozone?
In the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant.
5: What can we do/actions can we take to reduce our risks?
Ground level or bad ozone is not emitted dirently into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between NOs and VOCs in the presence of heat&sunlight
Go to: www.epa.gov/airnow/
In the far right corner- choose “Ozone”- found under Air Quality Basics. Read about good and bad ozone and answer the following questions.
1: Where is the good ozone located and what is its function?
Ozone occurs naturally in the Earth's upper atmosphere - 6 to 30 miles above the Earth's surface - where it forms a protective layer that shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
2: What depletes good ozone?
An area where the protective "ozone layer" has been significantly depleted-for example, over the North or South pole-is sometimes called "the ozone hole.”
3: Where is the bad ozone located and what creates it? What does NOX and VOC stand for?
In the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant.Ground level or bad ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between NOs and VOCs in the presence of heat&sunlight,
4: List three health problems associated with bad ozone. (Hint: You may need to go to Ozone and your Health- How can ground-level ozone affect your health?)
*Reduce lung function
*Cell damage
*Lung disease
5: Scroll down to the Air Quality Index Color Chart- Write down a one-word descriptor of each color code.
*Green- Good
*Yellow-Moderate
*Orange-Unhealthy for sensitive groups
*Red-Unhealthy
*Purple-Very unhealthy
6: After answering this question, go back to Air Now at: www.epa.gov/airnow/
In the far left corner, choose National Overview and then choose Ozone Now.
What is the current ozone reading for our area? ________ (use color code)
Yellow
The AQI for Students
Go to: How Ozone is Formed- Watch the video and take notes.
- Sunlight in the upper atmosphere can easily split ozone into an oxygen atom and an oxygen molecule.
- An O2 atom can react with an ozone molecule to create two oxygen molecules.
- Under natural conditions there is a balance between the creation and destruction of ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
- Ground level ozone, a harmful air pollutant
- formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight.
- Ozone is naturally produced in the stratosphere by a two- step reactive process.
- The 1st step, solar ultraviolet radiation breaks apart an oxygen molecule to form two separate oxygen atoms.
Go to: O3- Good Up High, Bad Nearby- Watch the video and take notes.
- Ozone occurs in two layers of the atmosphere that are troposphere and stratosphere
- Ozone in the upper atmosphere forms the ozone layer, which protects the earth from ultraviolet light.
- Ozone at ground level is a common air pollutant which is harmful to lungs and the breathing structures of plants too.
Smog City 2- Save the Smog City from Ozone
Go to: www.smogcity2.org
Which set of conditions produce the best possible scenario for the city?
Daily weather conditions can significantly affect ozone and particle pollutionlevels. Ozone levels are highest in the summer when high temperatures, calm winds, and lots of sunshine prevail. In the real world we can't control the weather, but in Smog City 2 you can experiment with how the weather affects pollution levels by adjusting the controls.
Which set of conditions produce the worst scenario for the people, animals and plants of Smog City?
Particle pollution is some particles are emitted directly from sources such asconstruction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires. Others form when chemicals such as sulfur dioxides (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)are emitted into the atmosphere. NOx is produced from burning fuels, including gasoline and diesel fuel. SO2 is produced from combustion of fuels containing sulfur, which includes some coals. Particle pollution can occur year-round.
- Cold weather is bad because it traps heat, which warms up, and pollutants get trapped.
- The solution to a better ozone, is if there is a smaller population.
- Ozone is bad when it's lower on the atmosphere, like the troposphere.
Summary: On your paper, write a 2-3 paragraph summary about what you have learned
about ozone, ozone depletion, ozone destruction and air quality by completing this
assignment. Make sure to use the new vocabulary that you have learned.
The oxygen we find in our atmosphere is made up of two oxygen atoms. Scientists use the symbol to indicate this oxygen compound. makes up approximately 21% of the atmosphere we breathe. Because of its chemical formulation, a single atom of oxygen is unstable. That is, it wants to combine with something else. That is why oxygen is almost always found in pairs, in its (diatomic) form, where it is more stable.Ozone is both good news and bad news! When ozone exists in the stratosphere, it protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays; however, when ozone exists in our troposphere along with the air we breathe, we consider it a major health and environmental concern.The ozone layer is a belt of naturally occurring ozone gas that sits 9.3 to 18.6 miles (15 to 30 kilometers) above Earth and serves as a shield from the harmful ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun. Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. It is constantly being formed and broken down in the high atmosphere, 6.2 to 31 miles (10 to 50 kilometers) above Earth, in the region called the stratosphere.
The set of conditions that produce the worst scenario for the people, animals and plants of Smog City is when the weather is cloudy, when there are lots of cars, trucks and planes, when there is high industry, and high population. It's bad when the weather is kind of cold.The set of conditions that produce the best possible scenario for the city is when the weather is sunny, with cloud sky cover, when temperature is high, when there are less cars and trucks, less off road transportation, and most importantly, when there is a small population.Bad ozone is located in the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant.There they are broken down by the intensity of the sun's UV rays and release chlorine and bromine molecules, which destroy the "good" ozone. Scientists estimate that one chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 "good" ozone molecules.