Toxic Chemicals

Question 1

Nitrogen Oxides
(NO and NO2)
z Combustion of oil, coal, gas
z Nitrogen Oxides
(NO and NO2)
z Combustion of oil, coal, gas
z Bacterial action in the soil
z Forest fires, volcanic action
z Lightning
z

Answer 1

Decreased visibility due to the yellowish
colour of NO2
z NO2 can suppress plant growth

Question 2

Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs)
z Evaporation of fuels
z Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
z

Answer 2

Eye irritation
z Respiratory irritation
z Some are carcinogenic
z Decreased visibility due to blue-brown haze

Question 3

Ozone (O3) z Formed from photolysis of NO2
z Sometimes, results from
stratospheric ozone intrusions

Answer 3

z Decreased crop yields
z Retards plant growth
z Damages plastics
z Breaks down rubber

Question 4

Peroxyacetyl Nitrates
(PAN)
Formed by the reaction of NO2 with
VOCs

Answer 4

z Eye irritation
z High toxicity to plants
z Damaging to proteins