Air Pollution

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A greenhouse gas resulting from fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and respiration that contributes to climate change. Effects on humans include exacerbated health issues related to air quality. Common reduction methods include carbon capture which traps CO₂ from the air or industrial sources.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

A toxic gas with a strong odor, produced from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes. It can irritate lungs and worsen asthma, leading to respiratory problems in humans. Reduction methods include wet scrubbers, which remove SO₂ from exhaust using liquid. Common uses of SO₂ include in the manufacturing of sulfuric acid.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)

Gases including NO and NO₂ from vehicle emissions and power plants. Known to contribute to respiratory issues and form smog. They can cause long-term health effects in humans. Reduction methods include catalytic converters which convert NOₓ to less harmful gases. Common in vehicles.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Tiny particles suspended in the air from dust and combustion. Can cause lung disease and heart problems. Secondary pollution led by PM can harm nearby ecosystems. Reduction methods include electrostatic precipitators, which use electric charges to attract particles for removal.

Lead (Pb)

A toxic heavy metal found in old gasoline and industrial processes. Can cause brain damage and developmental issues in humans. Reduction methods include phasing out leaded gasoline and using lead-free products, decreasing its prevalence in the environment.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless gas from incomplete combustion that reduces oxygen in blood, potentially causing dizziness or death. Effects on humans are severe at high levels. Reduction methods include improved combustion techniques,

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that vaporize easily, found in products like paints. Can lead to long-term health risks like cancer. Secondary pollution forms ground-level ozone. Reduction methods include vapor recovery nozzles at gas stations to prevent emissions.

Radon-222

A radioactive gas from uranium decay in soil. It can enter buildings, posing a lung cancer risk. Radon reduction methods include improving ventilation and sealing foundations.

Asbestos

A fibrous mineral used in older insulation materials; exposure can lead to lung disease and mesothelioma. Common reduction includes safely removing asbestos from buildings to prevent inhalation.

Dust

Tiny solid particles in the air, resulting from multiple sources including dirt and skin cells. Can aggravate respiratory conditions. Reduction methods include using air purifiers and dust control measures.

Mold

A type of fungus that thrives in damp conditions, which can cause allergies and respiratory issues in humans. Common reduction involves controlling humidity and using dehumidifiers.

Formaldehyde

A toxic chemical found in building materials, which can cause eye irritation and increase cancer risk. Reduction methods include using low-formaldehyde materials in construction.

Vapor Recovery Nozzle

A gas pump nozzle designed to capture fuel vapors and prevent VOCs from escaping into the atmosphere. It's commonly used in gas stations to reduce air pollution.

Catalytic Converter

A device in vehicles that reduces emissions by converting CO, NOₓ, and VOCs into less harmful gases. It improves air quality by decreasing harmful emissions.

Wet Scrubbers

Pollution control devices that remove pollutants like SO₂ and particulate matter from exhaust using a liquid medium. They're often used in industrial applications to prevent air pollution.

Dry Scrubbers

Devices using dry chemicals to neutralize harmful gases and remove pollutants from industrial emissions. They're used in various industries to reduce air pollution.

Electrostatic Precipitators

Devices that remove particulate matter from exhaust gases by applying electric charges to attract the particles. Commonly used in power plants and industrial processes.

Photochemical Smog

A type of smog formed from chemical reactions involving sunlight, NO₂, and ozone. Its effects on human health can be severe, leading to respiratory issues.

Thermal Inversion

A meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground. This exacerbates air quality issues and can lead to health problems.

Acid Rain Formation

Occurs when SO₂ and NO₂ react with water to create sulfuric and nitric acids, damaging ecosystems and human health through increased respiratory issues.

Noise Pollution

Unwanted or harmful sounds that can lead to hearing loss, stress in humans, and disrupt wildlife communication.