1. Air

2. Our atmosphere has been taken for granted in the past. In the last few decades, scientists and the general public began to realise the adverse effects of pollutants on the air we breathe. It is now recognised that pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulates released into the atmosphere as a result of energy generation and increased use of motor vehicles, have serious health and environmental consequences. In this section, the sources of air pollutants and their effects are examined. Students should be able to value the knowledge of the hazardous nature of pollutants and the environmental issues related to air pollution. Overview

6. Why is air important to us??

7. http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/sub/latest/story/0,5562,302121,00.html? Feb 20, 2005 FIFTY FIREFIGHTERS STRUGGLED AGAINST THE WIND to bring the blaze in a forested area under control by 7pm but several pockets of fire remained because it was so windy. No one was injured. - ASHLEIGH SIM Firemen have been putting out an average of about six bush fires a day since January due to the heat. - SEAN TAN Feb 19, 2005

8. 23 Sept, 1997 22 Sept, 1997 18 Sept, 1997 17 Sept, 1997 14 Sept, 1997 12 Sept, 1997 http://mrdata.com/~blakef/galleries/SingaporeHaze/haze.html

16. To show that carbon dioxide and water are produced when a candle burns in air. Hydrocarbon + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water vapour hydrocarbon

17. To show that carbon dioxide and water are produced when a candle burns in air. Hydrocarbon + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water vapour

19. Combustion without enough oxygen Which Bunsen burner has the air valve open? Which Bunsen burner has less oxygen available to react with the fuel - methane? What two products are normally formed during the combustion of a fuel? A B

24. air pollution Air around us contains pollutants, which are harmful substances to the environment oxides of nitrogen methane carbon monoxide Pollutants lightning; vehicle engines bacterial decay of vegetation; farm animals and rice growing incomplete combustion of carbon fuels Major Sources fit vehicles with catalytic converters breathing difficulties; acid rain; produces ozone no easy solutions global warming supply excess air to ensure complete combustion; fit vehicles with catalytic converters headaches; breathing difficulties; can kill people Treatment or Prevention Harmful Effects

25. air pollution unburnt hydrocarbons sulfur dioxide ozone Pollutants vehicle engines combustion of fossil fuels – especially coal; volcanoes’ eruptions sunlight acting on unburnt hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide Major Sources fit vehicles with catalytic converters produces ozone burn less sulphur-containing fuels; absorb SO 2 from chimney gases with calcium carbonate breathing difficulties; asthma attacks; acid rain reduce vehicle emissions of pollutants irritates eyes and lungs; asthma attacks Treatment or Prevention Harmful Effects

41. acid rain NOTE: These methods are not very effective as the damage has already been done. The only effective way to halt acid rain damage is to stop releasing acidic oxides into the air. air pollution