Air pollution

Air pollution

It is the contamination of the air by some harmful substances. It can cause health diseases and it damage the environment.

The major air pollutants are:

CO: CO molecules canenter the bloodstream, where they inhibit the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. CO is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, oil, and wood. It is alsoproduced from incomplete combustion of natural and synthetic products, such as cigarette smoke.
CO2: is the principal greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activity. If inhaled, it can be toxic inhigh concentrations.
CFCs: used in great quantities in industry, for refrigeration and air conditioning, and in consumer products. In the stratosphere, CFCs take part in chemical reactions that resultin reduction of the stratospheric ozone layer.
Lead (Pb): is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects particularly in young children.
O3: at ground level where it is apollutant with highly toxic effects, ozone damages human health, the environment, crops, and a wide range of natural and artificial materials.
NOx: is a major contributor to smog and acid rain.Nitrogen oxides react with volatile organic compounds to form smog.
SO2: is a gas produced by burning coal, most notably in power plants. Some industrial processes, such as production of paper and smeltingof metals, produce sulfur dioxide. Like nitrogen oxides, SO2 is a major contributor to smog and acid rain.
(VOCs) Volatile Organic Compounds: include gasoline, industrial chemicals such as benzeneand solvents. VOCs are released from burning fuel and from solvents, paints, glues, and other products used at home or work. Vehicle emissions are an important source of VOCs. Many VOCs are hazardousair pollutants; for example, benzene causes cancer.
(HAPs) Hazardous Air Pollutants: are chemicals that cause serious health and environmental effects.


http://www.nsc.org/ehc/mobile/airpollu.htm