What are secondary pollutants?

What are secondary pollutants?

• A. Pollutants that are beneficial to the environment
• B. Pollutants that are emitted directly from sources
• C. Pollutants formed in the atmosphere from chemical reactions between primary pollutants
• D. Pollutants that only occur indoors

Answer: (C)

Secondary pollutants are defined as pollutants that are not emitted directly into the atmosphere but are instead formed through chemical reactions that occur in the atmosphere, usually involving primary pollutants. When primary pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides, react with other compounds in the presence of sunlight or moisture, new substances are created, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. Examples of secondary pollutants include ozone and fine particulate matter, both of which can have significant adverse effects on air quality and public health. The other options do not accurately describe secondary pollutants. Beneficial pollutants are not recognized in environmental science, as pollutants typically refer to substances that have harmful effects. Pollutants that are emitted directly from sources are classified as primary pollutants, and focusing solely on indoor occurrences does not categorize pollutants effectively, as secondary pollutants can be present outdoors as well as indoors. Thus, the correct understanding is that secondary pollutants arise from reactions involving primary pollutants in the atmosphere.

Secondary pollutants are defined as pollutants that are not emitted directly into the atmosphere but are instead formed through chemical reactions that occur in the atmosphere, usually involving primary pollutants. When primary pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides, react with other compounds in the presence of sunlight or moisture, new substances are created, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. Examples of secondary pollutants include ozone and fine particulate matter, both of which can have significant adverse effects on air quality and public health.

The other options do not accurately describe secondary pollutants. Beneficial pollutants are not recognized in environmental science, as pollutants typically refer to substances that have harmful effects. Pollutants that are emitted directly from sources are classified as primary pollutants, and focusing solely on indoor occurrences does not categorize pollutants effectively, as secondary pollutants can be present outdoors as well as indoors. Thus, the correct understanding is that secondary pollutants arise from reactions involving primary pollutants in the atmosphere.