APES Major Classes of Air Pollutants

Required pollutants for AP/College Environmental Science, their anthropogenic sources, and effects.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Anthropogenic Sources: Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (vehicles) and cigarette smoke

Effects: Dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, and Death (Asphyxiant)

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Anthropogenic Sources: Burning of fossil fuels and wood, deforestation, and clearing of land (Soil and Decay)

Effects: Climate change, global warming, and ocean acidification

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Anthropogenic Sources: Burning coal, oil refineries, and smelting

Effects: Respiratory irritation, acid rain, and industrial (grey) smog

Nitrogen Oxides (NO, NO2, NOx)

Anthropogenic Sources: Motor vehicles and utilities (making electricity)

Effects: Respiratory irritation, photochemical (brown) smog, and acid rain

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Anthropogenic Sources: Gasoline, paint, dry cleaning colvent, acetone, nail polish, sharpie, etc.,

Effects: Dizziness, sleepiness, unconsciousness, respiratory irritation, and photochemical (brown) smog

Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)

Anthropogenic sources: Tiny particles of dust, soil, salts, soot, metal dust, and pesticides from roads, farms, fire, industry, and construction sites.

Effects: Respiratory irritation, aggravates asthma, and lung damage

Ozone (O3)

Secondary source

Results: Respiratory and eye irritant, asthma, and heart and lung problems

Lead (Pb)

Anthropogenic sources: Old and chipping paint, dust, smelting, burning coal, and leaded fuels

Results: Low cognition, blindness, short stature, hearing loss, and constipation

Mercury (Hg and compounds)

Anthropogenic sources: Burning coal, garbage, and smelting

Results: Tremors, moodswings, irritability, headache, and kidney damage