The harmful effects of metals and nonmetals on living systems and the environment

What are the sources of sulfur dioxide in the environment?

Combustion of fossil fuels, especially coal and heavy oils, for example in industry, motor vehicles and power stations

What are the harmful effects of sulfur dioxide?

1. This causes respiratory problems in humans example bronchitis

2. It reduces the growth of plants and dissolves in rainwater forming an acidic solution known as acid rain

What are the sources of carbon monoxide in the environment?

Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels mainly in motor vehicles

What are the harmful effects of carbon monoxide?

1. It binds with hemoglobin much more rapidly than oxygen causing a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching the body's tissues

2. It reduces respiration and mental awareness causes visual impairment, dizziness headaches, unconsciousness and even death

What are the sources of carbon dioxide in the environment?

Complete combustion of fossil fuels example in motor vehicles, industry, power stations and airplanes

What are the harmful effects of carbon dioxide?

1. Carbon dioxide along with other gases builds up in the upper atmosphere contributing to the Greenhouse Effect and global warming about 25% of the carbon dioxide released

2. Some is absorbed by the oceans, leading to Ocean acidification. This increase in acidity is expected to affect the ability of shellfish such as oysters, sea urchins, and corals to produce and maintain their shells.

What are the sources of hydrogen sulfide in the environment?

1. Decomposing organic matter in garbage dumps, landfills and farmyards.

2. Released from petroleum refineries

What are the harmful effects of hydrogen sulfide?

1. This is extremely toxic. Like carbon monoxide it combines readily with hemoglobin which reduces cellular respiration and causes dizziness headaches and Consciousness and even death

2. Low concentration irritates the eyes and respiratory system

What are the sources of oxides of nitrogen in the environment?

The combustion at high temperatures in motor vehicle engines and power stations causing nitrogen and oxygen in the air to react

What are the harmful effects of oxides of nitrogen?

1. These are extremely toxic causing lung damage.

2. Low concentration irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

How does carbon dioxide contribute to global warming?

When released into the atmosphere through various human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and Industrial processes it contributes to global warming because it traps heat from the sun preventing it from escaping back into space and causing the greenhouse effect which leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature

What are the consequences of global warming?

1. Rising sea level- warmer temperatures cause polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, leading to rising sea levels.

2. Impact on agriculture- altered weather patterns and extreme weather events can affect crop yields, leading to food insecurity and economic challenges for farmers.

3. Threats in biodiversity - changes in temperature and weather patterns can disrupt habitats, leading to shifts in species distribution and contributing to extinction risks for many plants and animals.

What are the sources of lead in the environment?

1. Discarded lead acid batteries

2. In the manufacture and recycling of lead acid batteries

3. Mining of lead ores

4. The extraction and refining of lead from its ores

5. Lead based paints

6. Car exhaust fumes when using leaded Petrol in some countries

What are the harmful effects of lead on the body?

1. It damages various body tissues and organs

2. It interferes with the normal formation of red blood cells which causes anemia

3. It is particularly harmful to young children as it reduces IQ and causes behavioural problems and learning disorders

What are the sources of arsenic in the environment?

1. In the mining of certain metals mainly gold

2. In the extraction and refining of metals

3. Burning fossil fuels, especially coal

4. volcanic eruptions

What are the harmful effects of arsenic on the body?

1. It causes changes in pigmentation and thickening of the skin, and can cause cancer

2. It damages the nervous system, heart, lungs and blood vessels.

What are the sources of cadmium in the environment?

1. It is found in discarded nickel-cadmium batteries

2. Cigarette smoke

3. Burning of fossil fuels

4. Incinerating waste

5. Extraction and refining of metals

What are the harmful effects of cadmium on the body?

1. It damages the kidneys, liver and respiratory system if inhaled

2. It can cause bones to become weakened and fragile, leading to osteoporosis

What are the sources of mercury in the environment?

1. It is found in discarded fluorescence light bulbs

2. In discarded mercury thermometers from Laboratories and hospitals

3. It is produced by burning coal in coal-fired power plants

4. In the extraction and refining of metals

What are the harmful effects of mercury on the environment?

It results in Minamata disease, which is a condition that damages the central nervous system, resulting in loss of muscular coordination, numbness in the hands and feet and inferior hearing, sight and speech.