A Natural Resource Management Guide for the County of Morris A ...

CARBON The impact of carbon is felt by way of its compounds. Carbon monoxide (CO) is derived mainly
from fossil-fuel burning. The single largest source of CO in the atmosphere is the automobile. Motor vehicles
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contribute roughly 90% of CO with stationary sources supplying the balance. This is particularly pronounced
in heavily trafficked areas. In urban areas congestion coupled with tall buildings trap the polluted air.
Temperature inversion layers, likely to occur during winter, prevent dispersal of CO, causing exceedances of
standards.
Carbon dioxide (CO 2) is produced through natural processes including volcanic eruptions, respiration by
oxygen-breathing organisms, and combustion. Removal occurs during photosynthesis and solution in the oceans.
CO 2 shows seasonal variations in response to the growth cycle of vegetation in each hemisphere.
SULFUR Sulfur is emitted primarily from coal combustion in factories, power generating plants, in some
home heating units, and from the refining and burning of petroleum. Within a few days of release into the
atmosphere, sulfur dioxide reacts with water vapor and O 2 in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4). The
resulting precipitation referred to as acid rain, threatens entire ecosystems. Acid precipitation has been linked
to the destruction of vegetation and aquatic life, the contamination of potable water supplies due to leaching of
heavy metals, the accelerated weathering of materials, the aggravation of respiratory ailments, and the reduction
of visibility.
AEROSOLS AND PARTICULATES The predominant natural sources include volcanic eruptions, forest
and grass fires, dust storms, and sea spray. Human-derived sources include rock-crushing operations, trash
incineration, smelters, power plants, and heating furnaces which emit sulfur oxides, particularly Sulfur Dioxide
(SO 2). Pollens and spores taunt allergy sufferers. Particulates usually have short residence times in the
atmosphere, being removed by precipitation within days or weeks. Thus particulate pollution is normally a local
problem, most severe close to its source and for a short duration.
WATER AND WATER VAPOR Water and water vapor are influential through their absorptive capabilities.
Pollutants are retained rather than dispersed, accentuating their characteristics. Absorbing thermal radiation and
sending it back to the earth, rather than to the atmosphere, contributes to a net increase in surface temperature,
commonly referred to as the "greenhouse effect." 16
RADON Radon, mentioned in the geology chapter, is nearly ubiquitous in New Jersey with concentrations
reflecting the underlying geology. A Statewide study conducted in 1986 tested approximately 5300 homes for
naturally occurring radon. Average indoor Radon concentrations fluctuated widely based on
geography.
!Average concentration of 8.1 pCi/l was in the Highlands region (Reading Prong).
!Average concentration in the Piedmont region was 4.2 pCi/L.
!Statewide, the average Radon concentration was found to be 5.4 pCi/l.
!The lowest was 0.1 pCi/L.
!The highest was 246 pCi/L. 17
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Air and Climatology