There are two classification of pollutants in our atmosphere; PRIMARY and SECONDARY POLLUTANTS.
Primary Pollutants
Combustion of Solid Waste |
Primary
pollutants are those pollutants that are emitted from pollution sources
directly into the atmosphere. They usually retain their chemical
characteristics and therefore, they have direct effects on the atmosphere. A
good example of a primary pollutant is ash, which is formed during combustion
of solid wastes and carbon monoxide which is emitted from a motor vehicle
exhaust.
Carbon Monoxide Emitted by Cars |
List of Primary Pollutants
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
Generates headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, can result in death
Odorless, colorless, poisonous gas
- Oxides of nitrogen (NOx, NO)
NO - nitric oxide
- Sulfur oxides (SOx)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Highly reactive organic compounds
Release through incomplete combustion
and industrial sources
- Particulate matter (dust, ash, salt particles)
Bad for your lungs
Secondary Pollutants
Acid Rain Formation |
On the other hand, secondary pollutant is not directly emitted as such, but
forms when other pollutants (primary pollutants) react in the atmosphere.
Examples of a
secondary pollutant include ozone, which is formed when hydrocarbons (HC) and
nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine in the presence of sunlight; NO2, which is formed
as NO combines with oxygen in the air; and acid rain, which is formed when
sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides react with water.
List of Secondary Pollutants
Can cause
respiratory problems
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Gives air a brownish
coloration
- Ozone (O3)
Colorless gas
Has a sweet smell
Is an oxidizing
agent - lung tissue to rubber products
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