These are the 5 criteria air pollutants defined in the Clean Air Act:
Ozone (Ground-level ozone is the principal component of smog)
Source – Chemical reaction of pollutants; VOCs and NOx
Health Effects – Breathing problems, reduced lung function, asthma, irritates eyes, stuffy nose, reduced resistance to colds and other infections, may speed up aging of lung tissue
Environmental Effects – Ozone can damage plants and trees; smog can cause reduced visibility
Property Damage – Damages rubber, fabrics, etc.
VOCs* (Volatile Organic Compounds); Smog-formers
Source – VOCs are released from burning fuel (gasoline, oil, wood coal, natural gas, etc.), solvents, paints, glues, and other products used at work or at home. Cars are an important source of VOCs. VOCs include chemicals such as benzene, toluene, methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
Health Effects – In addition to ozone (smog) effects, many VOCs can cause serious health problems such as cancer and other effects
Environmental Effects – In addition to ozone (smog) effects, some VOCs such as formaldehyde and ethylene may harm plants
Nitrogen Dioxide (One of the NOx); Smog-forming chemical
Source – Burning of gasoline, natural gas, coal, oil, etc. Cars are an important source of NO2
Health Effects – Lung damage, illnesses of breathing passages and lungs (respiratory system)
Environmental Effects – Nitrogen dioxide is an ingredient of acid rain (acid aerosols), which can damage trees and lakes. Acid aerosols can reduce visibility
Property Damage – Acid aerosols can eat away stone used on buildings, statues, monuments, etc.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Source – Burning of gasoline, natural gas, coal, oil, etc.
Health Effects – Reduces ability of blood to bring oxygen to body cells and tissues; cells and tissues need oxygen to work. Carbon monoxide may be particularly hazardous to people who have heart or circulatory (blood vessel) problems and people who have damaged lungs or breathing passages
Particulate Matter (PM-10); (Dust, Smoke, Soot)
Source – Burning of wood, diesel and other fuels; industrial plants; agriculture (plowing, burning off fields); unpaved roads
Health Effects – Nose and throat irritation, lung damage, bronchitis, early death
Environmental Effects – Particulates are the main source of haze that reduces visibility
Property Damage – Ashes, soots, smokes and dusts can dirty and discolor structures and other property, including clothes and furniture
Sulfur Dioxide
Source – Burning of coal and oil, especially high-sulfur coal from the Eastern United States; industrial processes (paper, metals)
Health Effects – Breathing problems, may cause permanent damage to lungs
Environmental Effects – SO2 is an ingredient in acid rain (acid aerosols), which can damage trees and lakes. Acid aerosols can also reduce visibility
Property Damage – Acid aerosols can eat away stone used in buildings, statues, monuments, etc.
Lead
Source – Leaded gasoline (being phased out), paint (houses, cars), smelters (metal refineries), manufacture of lead storage batteries
Health Effects – Brain and other nervous system damage; children are at special risk. Some lead-containing chemicals cause cancer in animals. Lead causes digestive and other health problems
Environmental Effects – Lead can harm wildlife
* All VOCs contain carbon (C), the basic chemical element found in living beings. Carbon-containing chemicals are called organic. Volatile chemicals escape into the air easily. Many VOCs, such as the chemicals listed in the table, are also hazardous air pollutants, which can cause very serious illnesses. EPA does not list VOCs as criteria air pollutants, but they are included in this list of pollutants because efforts to control smog target VOCs for reduction.
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