Lesson 1: Clean Air – Our Health Matters
Handout 1

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
(NOx)

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