Air Pollution

Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
Combustion sources - motor vehicle exhaust, smoke from fires, engine fumes
Can combine with haemoglobin - carboxyhaemoglobin - reduces the ability of blood to transport oxygen.
Early symptoms - headaches, nausea & fatigue
Prolonged exposure - brain damage & even fatal.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Combustion of fossil fuels.
Causes emphysema.
Affects respiration.
Contributes to acid rain which damages buildings.
Contribute to greenhouse effect and global warming.

Nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Combustion of fossil fuels.
Motor vehicle exhaust.
Damages lung tissues.
May cause bronchitis.
Irritates the eyes.
Lowers the body's defence against flu.
Contributes to acid rain which reduces the pH of soil, lakes and rivers.
Contributes to acid rain which destroys buildings.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
Combustion of fossil fuels which contain sulphur.
From industries.
Irritates and damages the lining of the eyes, air passages and lungs.
Causes coughing and wheezing.
Combines with rainwater to form acid rain that may cause skin diseases.
reduces the growth of plants.
Damages the leaves and may kill the plants.
Contributes to acid rain which lowers the pH of soil, lakes and rivers.
Contributes to acid rain which corrodes iron, copper, steel, aluminium and stonework, thereby destroying buildings.

Fine particulate matter (smoke, fumes, dust, ash and pollen)
Combustion of fossil fuels from motor vehicles, agricultural burning and industries.
Forest fires.
Quarries and asbestos factories.
Irritates the eyes and respiratory tract.
Contributes to haze which can cause asthma attack, conjunctivitis, sore throat, bronchitis and reduced visibility.
Deposits on leaves and darkens vegetation.
Blocks stomata, thus lowering the rate of photosynthesis.
The crop yield is reduced.
Soot can darken buildings.
Contributes to formation of haze and smog which can reduce light intensity.

Lead
Combustion of fossil fuels.
Reduces the sensitivity of the hands and feet coordination.
Retards mental development in children.
Disrupts body's ability to produce new cells.

Hydrocarbon
Combustion of fossil fuels from motor vehicles.
Affects growth.
Causes cancer.