The student will collect air pollution data and formulate conclusions. The student is expected to plan and implement investigative procedures including asking questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting equipment and technology. Air is essential to sustain most life as we know it. Natural sources of sulfur dioxide include volcanoes and forest fires. Nitrous oxide is generally known as laughing gas and is used as an anesthetic.
Nitric oxide is a colorless and odorless gas, whereas nitrogen dioxide is a red-brown pungent gas.
Although unlikely, high concentrations of NO can attach to hemoglobin and decrease the transport of oxygen. NO 2 can be more harmful to human health. Sources of hydrocarbons are landfills, automobiles, and burning of fossil fuels. Exposure to CO decreases the transport of oxygen to tissues and primarily affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Ozone can enter the troposphere through natural and anthropogenic means.