Sulphur Oxides

Precursor to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and acid rain

In the environment:

• Causes damages in vegetation, deforestation

Affects human health when it is breathed in because

• It irritates the nose, throat, and airways to cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tight feeling around the chest.

• The effects of sulfur dioxide are felt very quickly and most people would feel the worst symptoms in 10 or 15 minutes after breathing it in.

• Those most at risk of developing problems if they are exposed to sulfur dioxide are people with asthma or similar conditions.

Nitrogen Oxides

In the environment:

• Contributes to acid rain

• Contributes to eutrophication of lakes, formation of ground level ozone, and fine particulate matter

Health effects:

• Main effect of breathing in raised levels of nitrogen dioxide is the increased likelihood of respiratory problems.

• Nitrogen dioxide inflames the lining of the lungs, and it can reduce immunity to lung infections. This can cause problems such as wheezing, coughing, colds, flu and bronchitis.

VOCs

Gases and vapors containing carbon released by natural sources and anthropogenic sources

In the environment it acts as a:

Primarily sources of ground level ozone and particulate matter

Predominant contributing factor of smog

Health effects include :

• eye,nose, and throat irritation

• headaches

• loss of coordination

• nausea

• damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system.

• Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

Carbon Monoxide

CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless 

 

In the environment affects concentrations of methane, tropospheric ozone and carbon dioxide, all greenhouse gases.

Health effects Include:

•  headache

• dizziness

• vomiting

• nausea

• Inhibits the body’s ability to transport oxygen

• If CO levels are high enough, you may become unconscious or die

• Exposure to moderate and high levels of CO over long periods of time has also been linked with increased risk of heart disease

Ammonia 

Colorless gas that is odorless in except in high concentrations

Eye, nose, and throat irritant

In the environment

• Contributes to nitrification and eutrophication of aquatic systems

• Combines with sulphates and nitrates to make fine particulate matter

Health Effects:

• Exposure to ammonia at environmental concentrations is unlikely to have adverse effects on health.

• exposure to high concentrations following an accidental release or in occupational settings could cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat as well as burning the skin where there is direct contact.

Fine Particulate Matter

Formed from SO, NO, VOCs, and ammonia

In the environment: 

• Major component of smog

• Damages vegetation, infrastructure

Health effects include:

• respiratory tracts in even small amounts

• lung irritation, which leads to increased permeability in lung tissue.