7.4 Atmospheric CO2 and Particulates

Introduction

• CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels can also release particulate matter into the atmosphere, which can contribute to air pollution and health problems.
• Climate change caused by high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere can lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires, which can release large amounts of particulate matter into the air.
• Climate change can also lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of dust storms, which can release large amounts of particulate matter into the air.

Natural Sources of Air Pollutants

General Examples

1. Volcanic eruptions: volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of ash, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants into the air.
2. Wildfires: wildfires can release large amounts of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants into the air.
3. Dust storms: dust storms can release large amounts of dust, sand, and other particulate matter into the air.
4. Sea spray: sea spray can release salt particles and other pollutants into the air.
5. Biological processes: certain biological processes, such as the release of methane from wetlands, can contribute to air pollution.
6. Natural radioactivity: certain types of rocks and minerals, such as uranium and radon, release radioactive particles that can contribute to air pollution.

• Particulate matter (PM): Forest fires release large amounts of particulate matter into the air, including smoke and ash. These particles can be inhaled and can have negative impacts on human health, particularly for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
• Carbon monoxide (CO): Forest fires release large amounts of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can reduce the amount of oxygen that the body can absorb, leading to headaches, nausea, and even death in severe cases.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Forest fires release large amounts of volatile organic compounds into the air, which can contribute to the formation of smog and ozone, and can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
• Greenhouse gases: Forest fires also release large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, which can contribute to global warming and climate change.
• Toxins: Forest fires can also release toxins such as dioxins, furans, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are harmful to human health and the environment.

• Ash: Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of ash and other volcanic debris into the air. Ash can be inhaled and can have negative impacts on human health, particularly for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Ash can also damage buildings, vehicles and other infrastructure.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of sulfur dioxide, a gas that can contribute to the formation of acid rain and can have negative impacts on human health.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2): Volcanic eruptions also release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.
• Other gases: Volcanic eruptions also release other gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and chlorine. These gases can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
• Volcanic dust and particulate matter: volcanic eruptions can also release dust and particulate matter that can affect air quality and visibility for miles around the volcano.
• Volcanic ash can also have an effect on air travel, as it can cause damage to aircraft engines and can affect visibility for pilots. This can lead to flight cancellations and disruptions.

Natural Sources of CO2

General Examples

• Volcanic eruptions: volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of CO2, typically dissolved in magma, into the atmosphere.
• Natural respiration: all living organisms release CO2 as a byproduct of respiration, which is the process of converting energy from food into energy the organism can use. This process is responsible for a large natural source of CO2.

Respiration

Natural PM Sources

• Dust storms: Dust storms are a natural source of PM, as they can release large amounts of dust and sand into the air. Dust storms can occur in dry regions, such as deserts and semi-arid areas, and can travel long distances, affecting air quality over a large area.
• Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of ash and other volcanic debris into the air, which can contribute to PM levels. Volcanic ash can also damage buildings, vehicles and other infrastructure.
• Wildfires: Wildfires can release large amounts of PM into the air, including smoke and ash. Wildfires can occur naturally due to lightning strikes or human-caused such as negligence or arson.
• Sea spray: Sea spray can release salt particles and other pollutants into the air, particularly in coastal areas.
• Biological processes: Certain biological processes, such as the release of spores from certain plants, can contribute to PM levels in the air.
• Natural radioactive processes: Certain types of rocks and minerals, such as uranium and radon, can release radioactive particles that can contribute to PM levels.