OZONE A gas that forms in the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels gas diesel coal wood Can be good up in the atmosphere by protecting humans from UV rays but bad near the ground because it is a dangerous pollutant ID: 627689
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Slide1
The 6 Major Air PollutantsSlide2
OZONE
A gas that forms in the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels (gas, diesel, coal, wood).
Can be “good” up in the atmosphere by protecting humans from UV rays, but “bad” near the ground because it is a dangerous pollutant.
http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/gooduphigh/Slide3
Ozone’s Impact on Health
Attacks lungs in a way that is compared to getting a “sunburn” on the lungs. In doing so, can cause:
premature death
shortness of breathwheezing and coughingincreased susceptibility to respiratory infectionincreased risk of asthma attacks
increased need for medical treatment and hospital admission for people with chronic lung conditions such as asthma.Slide4
Who Is Most at Risk From Ozone?
Children
Anyone with asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis
Senior citizensSlide5
CARBON MONOXIDE
An odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that comes mainly from motor vehicles and other combustion exhaustSlide6
Carbon Monoxide’s Impact on Health
Interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the brain, heart and other tissues. As a result, carbon monoxide inhalation can result in:
chest pain
vision problemsdamage to nervesespecially dangerous for those with preexisting conditions, as well as newborn/unborn children
http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/co/hlth1.htmlSlide7
NITROGEN OXIDE AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE
Both are produced when fuel (gas, kerosene) is burned, especially in power plants and motor vehicles. These oxides help ozone formation, and are a health problem themselves too.
This gas changes in the atmosphere to form acidic particles and liquid nitric acid, and a reddish-brown layer can be seen over urban areas where it forms.
http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/nox/Slide8
Nitrogen Oxide and Dioxides Impact on Health
Affects the body like both ozone and sulfur dioxide
Generates water pollution through acid rain
Causes damage to lung tissueCauses deterioration of cars, buildings, vegetation, and crops
http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/nox/hlth.htmlSlide9
SULFUR DIOXIDE
Created mainly when fuel containing sulfur (such as coal and petroleum) is burned in power plants and diesel engines.
Like nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide can change in the atmosphere into acidic particles and into sulfuric acid. Slide10
Sulfur Dioxide and Your Health
Sulfur dioxide inhalation constricts air passages– posing a serious health risk to young children.
Even exposure to low levels of sulfur dioxide can trigger asthma attacks and associated health problems in asthma sufferers.
Sulfur dioxide causes haze and acid rain, resulting in plant and water damage.
http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/so2/hlth1.htmlSlide11
PARTICULATE MATTER
Particulate matter is microscopic particles and tiny droplets of liquid resulting from the burning of fuels by industry and diesel vehicles and from earth-moving activities such as construction and mining.Slide12
Particulate Matter: The Public Health Risks
Larger particles can be stopped in the nose and upper lungs by the human body’s natural defenses. The smallest particles dodge the body’s defenses and delve deep into the lungs, where they may become trapped.
Exposure can cause wheezing and other symptoms in people with asthma or otherwise-sensitive airways.
Has been linked to increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits for respiratory problems (asthma attacks, bronchitis, sinus infections) and to a major increase in early deaths.
http://www.epa.gov/air/particlepollution/health.htmlSlide13
LEAD
Classification as a poisonous substance has lead to the elimination of lead from gasoline, decreasing its concentration in outdoor air.
Continuing sources of lead in the environment are: lead smelters, incineration of lead batteries, and burning lead contaminated waste-oil.
Today, the most common sources of lead exposure are from contaminated soil and homes built before 1975 that were painted using lead paint. Slide14
Lead’s Impact on Health
Affects blood’s ability to carry oxygen
Can impact nervous system, kidney function, immune system, and development systems
Can have negative neurological effects in children, spurring behavioral problems and learning deficitsCan cause high blood pressure and heart disease in adults
http://www.epa.gov/air/lead/health.htmlSlide15
For more information on the 6 major air pollutants please visit: http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/