Air pollution is one of the pressing issues which is a major environmental problem. There are various types of air pollutants present in the surrounding. These pollutants not only pollute the air but also poses life-threatening health issues.
In this blog, we help you understand the different types of air pollutants.
Types of air pollutants
Ozone:
Ozone is considered to be one of the dangerous air pollutants. It is formed through a chemical reaction between sunlight and a number of gases such as NO2, CO, VOCs. These gases are emission from burning carbon-based fossil fuels. This is called ground-level ozone and is considered bad for human health. It can cause irritation in the skin and respiratory issues which can lead to long term chronic health issues.
Particle Pollution:
Particle pollution, or PM 2.5 and 10 takes the number one spot in the list of dangerous air pollutants to human health. Air pollution is composed of all the solid and liquid particles made of ash, metal, soot particles, vehicular emission. PM level is produced from wood stoves, forest fires, power plants, coal fires, factories, vehicles, construction sites, etc. These type of pollutants are so small that if inhaled they get inside our lungs and causes short and long term health issues. For example, irritation of eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and shortness of breath, besides worsening existing asthma and heart diseases.
Carbon Monoxide:
It is produced from the incomplete burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, home heating appliances, and power plants. It is a colorless odorless gas which is poisonous to human health – and if inhaled can cause death as well. The symptoms include dizziness, headache, chest pain to name a few health issues.
Sulfur Dioxide:
Burning of fossil fuels like oil and coal produces sulfur dioxide which can cause health issues. Especially, for people who have heart or lung conditions.
Nitrogen Dioxide:
NO2 is a gas which is colorless and odorless and is produced from the combustion of land and water vehicles. NO2 contributes majorly to smog which is a mix of smoke and various gases present in the air that poses danger to the lives of human and other living things in nature.
Pollen and Mold:
Pollen and mold are biological sources of air pollutants. Pollen comes from trees, weeds, grass that can cause allergies to people. It can also cause hay fever. Pollen pollution is expected to increase as global warming increases. Mold on the other hand is a problem that can affect indoor air quality. Some mold produces toxins that can cause asthma and other breathing issues.
Volatile Organic Compound:
VOCs or commonly called as Volatile Organic Compounds are organic chemicals that have high vapor pressure as per ordinary room temperature. Common VOC found in homes and offices include benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene. VOCs are extremely dangerous to human health. They can pose a danger to your health. Symptoms of health issues include eye and nose irritation, headache, nausea, and can also damage multiple organs.
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