Question

List the main pollutants of air, and give the ill effects of each.

Answer 1

Following are the main pollutants of air:

1. Suspended Particulate Matter(SPM) - These particles are too minute to be filtered through our nose hair. Thus, they can easily reach lungs and cause lung cancer in humans. Also, they get deposited on plants and interfere with the process of photosynthesis.
2. Carbon Monoxide (CO) - It is a dangerous pollutant which competes with oxygen and binds with the blood. It causes deficiency of oxygen in our body, which is fatal.
3. Excessive Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) - Although, carbon dioxide is present in atmosphere naturally, if it prevails excessively in the atmosphere it traps more heat from the sunlight which causes global warming.
4. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)- This gas reacts with atmospheric oxygen and rain water in clouds and forms acid rain.
5. Nitrous Oxide(NO₂)- It irritates the eyes and affects lungs.
6. Chloroflorocarbons(CFC) - They are responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.
7. Lead Compounds - They cause mental disorders and brain damage.