As you may know, air pollution isn't composed of just one chemical but of many that are harmful to the environment and to living things. Some of the most common chemicals are:
- Ozone (ground-level ozone is the principal component of smog)
- VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Carbon Monoxide
- Particulate Matter (dust, smoke, soot)
- Sulfur Dioxide
- Lead
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- Ozone
The source of Ozone is the chemical reaction of pollutants such as VOCs and Nox (one of the Nitrogen Dioxide chemicals). Ground-level ozone is the principal component of smog.
The effects it has on health is it can cause breathing problems, reduce the functions of the lungs, asthma can develop, irritation of the eyes, a stuffy nose, weakens the immune system by reducing the resistance to colds and other infections, and it may also speed up the aging of the lung tissue. The effects it has on the environment are that it can damage plants and trees along with reducing visibility. It also damages property such as rubber, fabrics, etc.
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- VOC's
VOCs stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. They are smog formers. The sources of these are burning fuel such as gasoline, oil, wood, coal, natural gas, solvents, paints, glues, and other products used at work or at home.
Cars are also a source. VOCs include chemicals such as benzene, toluene, methylene chloride and methyl chloroform. The effects it has on health can be as serious as cancer and other illnesses. The effects it has on the environment are that in addition to forming smog, VOCs such as formaldehyde and ethylene may harm plants.
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- Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen Dioxide is also one of the many smog-forming chemicals. Its sources are also the burning of gasoline, natural gas, coal, oil, etc., including the fumes that come from cars as well. The effects it has on health are such as lung damage, illnesses of breathing passages and lungs, mostly damage to the respiratory system is done.
The effects it has on the environment is that nitrogen dioxide is an ingredient of acid rain (acid aerosols) which can damage trees and lakes and also reduce visibility. Acid aerosols can eat away stone used on buildings, statues, monuments, and other property.
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- Carbon Monoxide
The sources of Carbon Monoxide are also the burning of gasoline, natural gas, coal, oil, etc.
The effects it has on health are that it reduces the ability of blood to bring oxygen to body cells and tissues which is really bad because the cells and tissues of living things need oxygen to work and live properly. Carbon Monoxide is mostly bad to people who have heart or circulatory problems and also to those who have damaged lungs or breathing passages.
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- Particulate Matter
Particulate Matter is made up of dust, smoke, and soot. Its source is the burning of wood, diesel and other fuels, industrial plants, agriculture such as plowing and burning off fields, and unpaved roads. The effects it has on health are that it causes nose and throat irritation, lung damage, bronchitis, and even early death. The main effect that Particulate Matter has on the environment is haze, reducing visibility. It also can dirty and discolor structures and other property including clothes and furniture.
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- Sulfur Dioxide
The main sources of Sulfur Dioxide is the burning of coal and oil, especially high-sulfur coal from the Eastern United States, and industrial processes such as the making and/or burning of paper and metals. The main effects on health are that it causes breathing problems and may cause permanent damage to the lungs. The environmental effects are that it damages trees and lakes and reduces visibility and also eats away stone used in buildings, statues, monuments, etc.
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- Lead
The sources of Lead are leaded gasoline which is being phased out, paint such as house or car paint, smelters of metal refineries, and manufacturers of lead storage batteries. Lead can cause damage to the brain and to other parts of the nervous system, it can cause digestive and other health problems.
Some lead-containing chemicals cause cancer in animals. Children are at special risk. The major effect to the environment is on the wildlife.
