Major Anthropogenic Air Pollutants and Their Effects

What are the different types of air pollution?

Major Anthropogenic Air Pollutants and Their Effects

Name: Symbol: Source: Description & Effects

Primary Pollutants

Suspended particulate matter PM Soot, smoke, metals, and carbon from combustion; dust, salts, metal, and dirt from wind erosion; atmospheric reactions of gases Complex mixture of soil particles and aerosols; reduces lung function and affects respiration and cardiovascular disease.

Volatile organic compounds VOC Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels; evaporation of solvents and gasoline; emission from plants Mixture of compounds, some carcinogenic; major agent of ozone formation.

Carbon monoxide CO Incomplete combustion of fuels Invisible, odorless, tasteless gas; poisonous because of ability to bind to hemoglobin and block oxygen delivery to tissues; aggravates cardiovascular disease

Nitrogen oxides NOx From nitrogen gas due to high combustion temperatures when burning fuels; also from wood burning Reddish-brown gas and lung irritant; aggravates respiratory disease; major source of acid rain; contributes to ozone formation

Sulfur dioxide SO2 Combustion of sulfur-containing fuels, especially coal Poisonous gas that impairs breathing; major source of acid rain; contributes to particle formation

Lead Pb Batter manufacture; lead smelters; combustion of leaded fuels and soil wastes Toxic at low concentrations; accumulates in body and can lead to brain damage in children

Air Toxics Various Fuel combustion in vehicles; industrial processes; building materials; solvents Toxic chemicals, many of which are known human carcinogens; Clean Air Act identifies 187 air toxics

Radon Rn Rocks and soil; natural breakdown of radium and uranium Invisible and odorless radioactive gas can accumulate inside homes; second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

Secondary Pollutants

Ozone O3 Photochemical reactions between VOCs and NOx Toxic to animals and plants and highly reactive in lungs; oxidizes surfaces and rubber tires

Peroxyacetyl nitrates PAN Photochemical reactions between VOCs and NOx Damages plants and forests; irritates mucous membranes

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