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Air Quality Standards for Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Description: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge on the Air Quality Standards for Sulfur Dioxide (SO2).
Number of Questions: 5
Created by:
Tags: air quality sulfur dioxide environmental standards
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What is the primary health concern associated with exposure to sulfur dioxide?

  1. Increased risk of heart disease

  2. Aggravation of asthma and other respiratory conditions

  3. Damage to the nervous system

  4. Cancer


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sulfur dioxide is a known irritant that can cause inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing and other respiratory symptoms, particularly in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Which of the following is NOT a major source of sulfur dioxide emissions?

  1. Power plants

  2. Industrial facilities

  3. Motor vehicles

  4. Natural gas production


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Natural gas is a relatively clean-burning fuel that does not produce significant amounts of sulfur dioxide when burned. The primary sources of sulfur dioxide emissions are power plants and industrial facilities that burn fossil fuels containing sulfur.

What is the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for sulfur dioxide?

  1. 75 parts per billion (ppb)

  2. 100 ppb

  3. 30 ppb

  4. 50 ppb


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The NAAQS for sulfur dioxide is set at 75 ppb, averaged over a one-hour period. This standard is designed to protect public health by limiting exposure to harmful levels of sulfur dioxide in the air.

How does sulfur dioxide contribute to the formation of acid rain?

  1. It reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid

  2. It combines with nitrogen oxides to form nitric acid

  3. It is deposited on the ground and leaches into soil and water

  4. It is absorbed by plants and released into the atmosphere


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities can react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid, which is a major component of acid rain. Acid rain can damage forests, lakes, and other ecosystems, and can also contribute to human health problems.

What are some strategies for reducing sulfur dioxide emissions?

  1. Using cleaner-burning fuels

  2. Installing pollution control devices on power plants and industrial facilities

  3. Promoting energy efficiency and conservation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Reducing sulfur dioxide emissions requires a multi-faceted approach that includes using cleaner-burning fuels, installing pollution control devices on power plants and industrial facilities, and promoting energy efficiency and conservation measures. These strategies can help to improve air quality and reduce the associated health and environmental impacts of sulfur dioxide pollution.

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