Pollutants factsFuel combustion from vehicles and engines.
Pollutants factsReduces the amount of oxygen reaching the body’s organs and tissues; aggravates heart disease, resulting in chest pain and other symptoms.
Ground-level Ozone (O3)
Pollutants factsSecondary pollutant formed by chemical reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NOx in the presence of sunlight.
Pollutants factsDecreases lung function and causes respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, and also makes asthma and other lung diseases get worse. More on Ground Level Ozone Here
Lead (Pb)
Pollutants factsSmelters (metal refineries) and other metal industries; combustion of leaded gasoline in piston engine aircraft; waste incinerators (waste burners), and battery manufacturing.
Pollutants factsDamages the developing nervous system, resulting in IQ loss and impacts on learning, memory, and behavior in children. Cardiovascular and renal effects in adults and early effects related to anaemia.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Pollutants factsFuel combustion (electric utilities, big industrial boilers, vehicles) and wood burning.
Pollutants factsWorsens lung diseases leading to respiratory symptoms, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Pollutants factsThis is formed through chemical reactions, fuel combustion (e.g., burning coal, wood, diesel), industrial processes, farming (plowing, field burning), and unpaved roads or during road constructions.
Pollutants factsShort-term exposures can worsen heart or lung diseases and cause respiratory problems. Long-term exposures can cause heart or lung disease and sometimes premature deaths.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Pollutants factsSO2 comes from fuel combustion (especially high-sulfur coal); electric utilities and industrial processes as well as natural occurances like volcanoes.
Pollutants factsAggravates asthma and makes breathing difficult. It also contributes to particle formation with associated health effects.