APES air pollution pollutants

Asbestos

Resistant fibers are released from material like old insulation or tiles when disturbed. Causes lung respiratory illnesses, such as lung cancerdisturbed

Carbon dioxide CO2

Comes from burning fossil fuels forest fires and deforestation not a serious health hazard but helps drive climate change and leads to ocean acidification

Chlorofluorocarbons CFCs

Synthetic compounds of carbon chlorine and fluorine

Were commonly used in aerosol propellants, refrigerants, and foam blowing agents

Deplete the Earth protective ozone layer in the stratosphere

Particulate Matter PM

Natural sources, coal burning, road construction and tobacco smoke

Is a respiratory irritant and can block sunlight preventing photosynthesis

Formaldehyde

Carcinogenic gas from building materials that causes respiratory irritation and cancers cancer.

Heavy metal

Pb, Cd, Hg

Causes 60- 70,000 deaths from cancer growth delays and learning disabilities

Nitric acid HNO3

Form one nitrogen oxide react with water vapor

Causes acid deposition, soil and water acidification, aluminum mobilization damages infrastructure, and can cause severe respiratory problems and burns

Nitrogen oxides NOx (NO or NO2)

Formed from high temperature engines, coal plants, lightning, and bacteria

Causes heart and lung disease

Precursor to acid deposition and smog

Radon Rn-222

A naturally occurring air pollutant that enters homes through cracks and foundations

Causes lung cancer DNA damage

Sulfur dioxide SO2

Comes from volcanoes, coal burning oil refining, and smelting

Respiratory irritant and precursor acid deposition

Sulfuric Acid H2SO4

Formed from the reaction of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere

Contributes to acid deposition, damaging ecosystems through acidification

Tropospheric ozone O3

Formed Through the reaction of sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.

Can lead to lung damage, aggravate asthma, damages vegetation, contributes to global warming, and is a major component of photochemical smog.

Volatile organic compounds

Come from pine trees, industrial solvent, and car exhaust

Is a respiratory irritant and precursor to smog