Air pollutants

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Air Pollutants

Air pollutants (pronunciation: /ɛər pɒljuːtənts/) are substances in the air that can cause harm to humans and the environment. The term originates from the English words "air" and "pollutant", which means a substance that makes something, in this case, the air, unclean or impure.

Types of Air Pollutants

There are several types of air pollutants, including:

  • Particulate Matter (PM): These are tiny particles of solids or liquids suspended in the air. They can be natural, like dust and pollen, or man-made, like soot and smoke.
  • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): These are gases produced by the burning of fossil fuels, especially in cars and power plants. They can cause respiratory problems and contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain.
  • Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): This is a gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels, especially in power plants and industrial processes. It can cause respiratory problems and contribute to the formation of acid rain.
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO): This is a poisonous gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels, especially in cars and homes. It can cause headaches, dizziness, and, in high concentrations, death.
  • Ozone (O3): This is a gas that occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere, where it protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level, it is a harmful pollutant that can cause respiratory problems.
  • Lead (Pb): This is a heavy metal that can be found in the air, especially in urban areas where it was used in gasoline. It can cause neurological problems, especially in children.

Health Effects

Exposure to air pollutants can have serious health effects, including respiratory problems, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Certain groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly vulnerable.

Environmental Effects

Air pollutants can also have serious environmental effects. They can damage crops, forests, and bodies of water. They can also contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Regulation and Control

Many countries have laws and regulations to control air pollution. These include limits on emissions from cars and industrial facilities, as well as standards for air quality.

External links

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