Chapter 4
Airborne Hazards
The work is going well, but it looks like the end of the world.
S. Rowland, codiscoverer of the CFC effect, to his wife.
Introduction
When potentially noxious substances are discharged into the atmosphere at a rate that exceeds its capacity to disperse them by dilution and air currents, the resulting accumulation is air pollution. It may take the form of haze, dust, mist (which may be corrosive), or smoke and may contain oxides of sulfur and nitrogen and other gases that may irritate the eyes, respiratory tract, or skin, and other substances that may be harmful to the environment or to human health. Absorption may occur in amounts sufficient to cause acute or chronic systemic toxicity. Air pollution has been greatly ...
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