What pollutants affect air quality? Explain how do these pollutants affect air quality
The air quality is affected by pollutants like Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and smoke.
Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete burning of fuels such as petrol and diesel. It reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. There is thick fog-like layer in the atmosphere, especially during winters. This is smog which is made up of smoke and fog.
Smoke may contain oxides of nitrogen which combine with other air pollutants and fog to form smog. The smog causes breathing difficulties such as asthma, cough and wheezing in children.
Sulphur dioxide is produced by combustion of fuels like coal in power plants. It can cause respiratory problems, including permanent lung damage.
Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete burning of fuels such as petrol and diesel. It reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. There is thick fog-like layer in the atmosphere, especially during winters. This is smog which is made up of smoke and fog.
Smoke may contain oxides of nitrogen which combine with other air pollutants and fog to form smog. The smog causes breathing difficulties such as asthma, cough and wheezing in children.
Sulphur dioxide is produced by combustion of fuels like coal in power plants. It can cause respiratory problems, including permanent lung damage.
Other kinds of pollutants are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are used in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol sprays. CFCs damage the ozone layer of the atmosphere.