Air pollution is a problem that besets the planet today. So many pollutants exist in the air people breathe, especially in urban environments. Some of them may cause minimal health hazards but there are those that are toxic and can cause severe health effects. Here is a list of 10 common air pollutants to be cautious of.
10 Common Air Pollutants
#1: Ground-level ozone is one air pollutant that poses danger for humans. It is different from the good ozone located in the stratosphere that protects the planet from the rays of the sun. Industrial emissions, chemical solvents, gasoline and other motor vehicle exhaust contribute to bad ozone. If breathed, it can create health problems like congestion and chest pain.
#2: Particulate matter, otherwise known as particle pollution is a hazardous air pollutant. It is usually composed of acids, metals, and other dust particles. Due to their tiny nature, they can enter the lungs and cause respiratory problems. The heart can be affected as well.
#3: Carbon monoxide (CO), comes from multiple sources such as motor vehicle exhaust, gas heaters, wood stoves, and tobacco smoke. Depending on the exposure, it can cause impaired coordination and vision to reduced brain function, and even death at very high levels.
#4: Nitrogen dioxide is an air pollutant emitted by vehicles, off-road equipment, and power plants. It may pose a danger to the respiratory system.
#5: Carbon dioxide, a common greenhouse gas, results from human and industrial activities such as burning gasoline or coal. Exposure can cause headaches and nausea to asphyxiation and even death.
#6: Sulfur dioxide, similar to nitrogen dioxide, comes from vehicles and manufacturing plants. This gas causes problems primarily in the respiratory system and can increase asthma symptoms.
#7: Lead is a dangerous air pollutant that used to be included in gasoline. Efforts made by EPA led to a dramatic decline in lead. However, care must be given when you are near areas that have waste incinerators and lead-acid battery manufacturers.
#8: Radon is a highly radioactive gas that is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It occurs naturally released through the earth’s surface and groundwater.
#9: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are man-made chemicals that deplete the ozone. They come from industrial plants and are found in household appliances like refrigerators.
#10: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful toxins are released in the air by products such as paints, cleaning supplies and pesticides. Low exposure can result in nose and throat discomfort, fatigue or dizziness, with much more extreme effects with higher and longer exposure.
Limit Air Pollution
Our daily activities can greatly increase or reduce air pollutants in the environment. We have the choice as to the manufacturers we support, car emissions we contribute, the chemicals in our products, the appliances we purchase. Over a lifetime, these choices will affect the quality of our lives as well as the way we interact with our planet.
