Air Pollutants

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

A pollutant caused by burning fossil fuels, volcanic eruptions, and industrial processes; leads to respiratory issues and acid rain.

Nitric Oxide (NO) & Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

Pollutants from vehicle emissions and industrial processes that cause lung irritation and contribute to acid rain.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A pollutant from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels that reduces blood oxygen, causing headaches and dizziness.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Small particles in the air from sources like wildfires and vehicle exhaust, linked to respiratory issues and heart disease.

Lead (Pb)

A pollutant from industrial emissions that causes neurological damage and developmental issues in children.

Ozone (O₃)

Ground-level ozone formed from chemical reactions in sunlight that causes lung irritation and damages respiratory tissue.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that can cause eye irritation and headaches, often found in vehicle emissions and household products.

Mercury (Hg)

A pollutant from coal combustion that causes neurological damage and bioaccumulation in fish.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A greenhouse gas from burning fossil fuels that contributes to climate change.

Hydrocarbons

Organic compounds from vehicle emissions that can contribute to ozone formation; some are carcinogenic.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chemical compounds used in aerosols that destroy the ozone layer.

Radon (Rn)

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into buildings and is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Asbestos

A dangerous material found in old insulation, linked to lung cancer and respiratory issues.

Methane (CH₄)

A gas from natural sources that contributes to climate change but is not harmful in normal concentrations.

Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PANs)

A secondary pollutant formed from VOCs that can cause eye irritation and lung damage.

Formaldehyde

A chemical found in building materials that is carcinogenic and causes respiratory issues.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

A condition arising from poor indoor air quality that leads to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.