pollutants Flashcards
what is the source of carbon monoxide!
it is formed from the incomplete combustion of carbon containing fuels or petrol
what are the effects of carbon monoxide?
it binds irreversibly with haemoglobin, forming carboxyhaemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport. it causes headaches, breathing difficulties and even death
what is the source of sulfur dioxide?
combustion of sulfur containing fuels or emission from volcanos
what are the effects of sulfur dioxide?
irritates eyes, inflames bronchioles and reacts with rain to form acid rain, harming life
what are the sources of oxides of nitrogen?
nitrogen reacting with oxygen at high temperatures, eg. in car engines, during lighting activity etc.
what are the effects of oxides of nitrogen?
irritates eyes, inflames bronchioles, reacts with rain to form acid rain, harming life
what are the sources of unburnt hydrocarbons?
they released through vehicle exhaust fumes and chemical plants
what are the sources of methane
they are formed from the decay of plant or animal matter
what are the effects of unburnt hydrocarbons?
they are carcinogenic, and react with carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight to form toxic ozone
what are the effects of methane?
it is a greenhouse gas that traps atmospheric heat, causing global warming and leads to droughts or floods in low-lying lands
what are the sources of ozone?
oxygen and unburnt hydrocarbons react in the presence of sunlight
what are the effects of ozone in the atmosphere?
forms photochemical smog, which irritates the lungs, causes breathing difficulties and damages crops
