Air Pollution

What do we mean by the term pollutant?

What are the pollutants that cause air pollution?

There are six common air pollutants:•Sulphur dioxide

•Carbon Monoxide

•Nitrogen oxides

•Lead

•Ozone

•Particulates

Where do these pollutants come from?

Sulphur dioxide

Carbon monoxide

Nitrogen oxides Lead

Ozone

is formed by a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides and (VOC) volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.

Particulates

are made up from nitrates and sulphates, metals, soil, dust.

Why should we worry about these pollutants?

Sulphur dioxide - helps form acid rain, contributes to respiratory diseases

Carbon monoxide - poisonous gas, blocks oxygen from being carried in the blood

Nitrogen oxides – smog (ozone), acid rain, greenhouse gas, water quality Lead – poisonous, attacks the organs Ozone - smog

Particulates – smaller particulates are a greater cause of concern. Breathing and heart problems