Common Contaminants Consuming Clean Air (Answer Key)
|
Pollutant |
Source of Pollutant |
Health Effects |
|
Ozone
|
chemical reaction of pollutants (VOCs and NOx) |
breathing problems, reduced lung function, asthma, irritation to eyes, stuffy nose, reduced resistance to colds and other infections, may speed up aging of lung tissue |
|
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) |
burning fuel (gasoline, oil, wood, coal, natural gas) solvents, paints, glues and other products |
breathing problems, reduced lung function, asthma, irritation to eyes, stuffy nose, reduced resistance to colds and other infections, may speed up aging of lung tissue, can cause cancer |
|
Nitrogen Dioxide |
burning of gasoline, natural gas, coal, oil |
lung damage, illnesses of respiratory system |
|
Carbon Monoxide (CO) |
burning of gasoline, natural gas, coal, oil |
reduces ability of blood to bring oxygen to cells and tissues which need oxygen to work; particularly toxic to those who have heart, circulatory or respiratory problems |
|
Particulate Matter (PM-10) |
burning of wood, diesel and other fuels; industrial plants; agriculture (plowing, burning off fields); unpaved roads |
nose and throat irritation, lung damage, bronchitis, early death |
|
Sulfur Dioxide
|
burning of coal and oil, especially high-sulfur coal; industrial processes (paper, metals) |
breathing problems, may cause permanent damage to lungs |
|
Lead
|
leaded gasoline (being phased out), paint (houses, cars), smelters (metal refineries); manufacture of lead storage batteries
|
brain and other nervous system damage; children are at special risk; some lead-containing chemicals cause cancer in animals; lead causes digestive and other health problems |