Meghan Hodges
There are six common air pollutants, known as 'criteria pollutants', which are found all over the United States. These pollutants are particulate matter (often referred to as particle pollution), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. These pollutants can harm human health, the environment, and cause property damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollutant | Particulate matter (particle pollution) |
| Pollutant | Ground-level ozone |
| Pollutant | Carbon monoxide |
| Pollutant | Sulfur dioxide |
| Pollutant | Nitrogen dioxide |
| Pollutant | Lead |
Particulate matter
Due to their small size, particulate matter can be easily inhaled and penetrate deep into the respiratory system. This can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of particulate matter.
To reduce the health risks associated with particulate matter, regulatory bodies such as the EPA in the United States work to set standards and limits on the acceptable levels of these pollutants in the air. This involves monitoring and regulating emissions from various sources, as well as implementing measures to reduce the overall levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere.
In summary, particulate matter is a significant air pollutant that poses risks to both human health and the environment. Through regulatory efforts and emissions reductions, steps can be taken to mitigate the harmful impacts of particulate matter and improve air quality.
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Ground-level ozone
Ozone is least concentrated in the ground layer (or planetary boundary layer) of the troposphere. However, its impacts on human health and welfare make it "bad ozone".
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Carbon monoxide
At very high levels, carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, and even death. These high levels are more likely to occur indoors or in other enclosed environments, as outdoor air is typically well-diluted. However, it is important to note that even low levels of carbon monoxide can be harmful over time.
To regulate carbon monoxide levels, the EPA has set standards for both eight-hour and one-hour periods. The eight-hour standard is set at nine parts per million, while the one-hour standard is 35 parts per million. These standards help ensure that areas with carbon monoxide levels at or below these values are in compliance with air quality regulations.
Overall, carbon monoxide is a dangerous pollutant that requires careful monitoring and regulation to protect human health and the environment. Its colourless, odourless, and tasteless nature makes it difficult to detect, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation and emissions control measures.
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Sulfur dioxide
SO2 is also indirectly linked to effects on human health. Studies indicate that SO2 causes nerve stimulation in the lining of the nose and throat. This can cause irritation, coughing and a feeling of chest tightness, which may cause the airways to narrow. People suffering from asthma are considered to be particularly sensitive to SO2 concentrations. Fuel combustion accounted for 91% of UK SO2 emissions in 2022, with the main sources being the combustion of coal, heavy fuel oil and petroleum coke (a solid fuel produced in crude oil refineries).
The U.S. Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six common air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide. These pollutants can harm human health, harm the environment, and cause property damage.
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) in Australia is tracking pollution across the country by collecting data about 93 different toxic substances emitted into the environment. Sulfur dioxide is one of the substances that the NPI tracks.
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Nitrogen dioxide
Road traffic is the principal outdoor source of nitrogen dioxide. The higher the combustion temperature, the more nitric oxide is generated. Indeed, 90–95% of the nitrogen oxides are usually emitted as nitric oxide and only 5–10% as nitrogen dioxide, although substantial variations from one source type to another have been observed. In ambient conditions, nitric oxide is rapidly oxidised in the air to form nitrogen dioxide by available oxidants (such as oxygen, ozone and VOCs). In indoor air, however, this oxidation process is generally much slower.
Nitrous acid (HONO) is a common pollutant in ambient and indoor environments, produced by the reaction of nitrogen dioxide with water.
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Frequently asked questions
A pollutant is a substance or energy introduced into the environment that has an undesired effect or adversely affects the usefulness of a resource.
Pollutants can be naturally forming (e.g. minerals or extracted compounds like oil) or anthropogenic in origin (e.g. manufactured materials or byproducts). Examples of pollutants include polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), organophosphorous insecticides, non-biodegradable plastics, and human waste.
Pollutants are released into ecosystems by human activities, such as the use of chemical pesticides, or they can be naturally occurring substances, like heavy metals or fossil fuels.
Pollutants can have short- or long-term negative impacts on the environment and human health. They can change the growth rate of plant or animal species, interfere with resources used by humans, and cause diseases in humans and other organisms.
