Criteria Pollutants

Criteria Pollutants

Ellie Desmond

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless flammable gas that is slightly less dense than air, it is
commonly found being the byproduct of burning fuels commonly found in homes, such as natural gas, propane,
wood and gasoline all produce the toxic gas. Carbon Monoxide can kill people because it prevents blood cells
from carrying oxygen. When this happens organs begin to suffer due to lack of oxygen. If exposed to high levels
of carbon monoxide you can die quickly, but even small exposures can cause long-lasting effects such as
permanent brain damage. To stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning the National Poison Control Center
suggests keeping vents clear, Having appliances that burns gas, wood, or kerosene inspected, not using
gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors, Making sure exhaust fumes from generators cannot enter your
home, never leaving a car running in an attached garage, clearing snow from around vents and pipes such as
clothes dryer vents and car exhaust pipes, and never burning charcoal and never use portable fuel-burning
camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent. They also suggest installing CO alarms near
sleeping areas.



Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide is an invisible gas, with a nasty, sharp smell. It reacts easily with other substances to form harmful
compounds, such as sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid and sulfate particles. Most of the sulfur dioxide in air comes
from human sources such as industrial activity that processes materials that contain sulfur, and industrial activity
that burns fossil fuels containing sulfur. It is also present in motor vehicle emissions, as the result of fuel
combustion. Sulfur dioxide is present as a preservative for dried fruits, and was first used in winemaking by the
Romans. Sulfur dioxide can have harmful effects on humans such as respiratory symptoms and disease and
premature death. Large amounts of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere can have effects on the habitat suitability
for plant and animal communities. It is also a precursor to acid rain which can have harmful affects on the
environment. Solutions are in place to solve sulfur dioxide pollution, such as the US EPA's Acid Rain Program,
which decreased emissions because of technology that enables sulfur dioxide to be chemically bound in power
plants burning sulfur-containing coal or oil. People can also reduce their usage of sulfur dioxide by reducing
amount of energy used and driving less or by using green transportation.



Nitrogen Oxid

Nitrogen oxides are a group of seven gases and compounds composed of nitrogen and oxygen, it is a
greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. It is typically found being emitted from vehicle exhaust,
and the burning of coal, oil, diesel fuel, natural gas, and agricultural and industrial activities. They are also
emitted by cigarettes, gas stoves, kerosene heaters, wood burning, and silos that contain silage. Lastly,
nitrogen dioxides are used to produce rocket fuels and explosives. Nitrogen oxides can create environmental
health hazards when they react with sunlight and other chemicals to form smog and acid rain. Everyone is
exposed to small amounts of nitrogen oxides, but elevated levels can cause damage to the human respiratory
tract, increase a person's vulnerability to respiratory infections and asthma, and long-term exposure to high
levels can cause chronic lung disease. Nitrogen Oxides affect the environment because they can make air
hazy and difficult to see though, and this affects the many national parks that we visit for the view. Nitrogen
oxides also contribute to nutrient pollution in coastal waters. To reduce amount of nitrogen oxides pollution
people can cut down driving by carpooling or taking public transportation. This will help reduce the amount of
nitrogen oxides being put into the atmosphere and help lower chances of acid rain and smog.



Particulate Matter

Particulate matter is the sum of all solid and liquid particles suspended in air, many of which are hazardous. This
complex mixture includes both organic and inorganic particles, such as dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid
droplets. Most particulate matter comes directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields,
smokestacks or fires, but most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals such
as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles.
Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that can be inhaled and cause serious health
problems, such as heart and lung problems. Fine particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility in parts of
the United States, including many national parks and wilderness areas. Particulate matter is also linked to making
lakes and streams acidic, changing the nutrient balance in coastal waters and large river basins, depleting the
nutrients in soil, damaging sensitive forests and farm crops, affecting the diversity of ecosystems, and contributing
to acid rain effects. In order to combat particulate matter pollution you can check Air Quality Index, stop smoking,
mulch garden refuse instead of burning it, limit the use of fireplaces and wood stoves, switch to cleaner burning
appliances, take action to reduce wildfires, uses diesel vehicles, and walk, cycle, and take public transit.



Tropospheric Ozone

Tropospheric ozone, is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between
nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. This happens when pollutants emitted by cars,
power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the
presence of sunlight. Ozone is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban
environments, but can still reach high levels during colder months. Ozone can also be transported
long distances by wind, so even rural areas can experience high ozone levels. Ozone in the air we
breathe can harm our health by triggering a variety of health problems including chest pain,
coughing, throat irritation, and airway inflammation. It also can reduce lung function and harm lung
tissue. Ozone also affects sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, including forests, parks, wildlife
refuges and wilderness areas. Current solutions in place are the EPA’s national and regional rules to
reduce emissions of pollutants that form ground level ozone. These rules include vehicle and
transportation standards, regional haze and visibility rules, and regular reviews of the NAAQS.



Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can
be toxic to humans and animals, causing health effects. Much of human exposure comes from human activities like the use
of fossil fuels, leaded gasoline, and some types of industrial facilities. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide
variety of products found in and around homes, including paints, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders,
gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics. Lastly, lead can be emitted into the environment from industrial sources
and contaminated sites, such as former lead smelters. When lead is released to the air from industrial sources or spark-
ignition engine aircraft, it may travel long distances before settling to the ground, where it usually sticks to soil particles.
Lead may move from soil into ground water depending on the type of lead compound and the characteristics of the soil.
Lead can have major health consequences and exposure to high levels of lead may cause anemia, weakness, and kidney
and brain damage. Very high lead exposure can cause death. Lead can also affect unborn babies by damaging a
developing baby’s nervous system. Lead exposure can also cause miscarriage, stillbirths, and infertility. Typically, lead
affects children more than it does adults, and can lead to mental retardation. In order to combat these consequences you
can inspect and maintain all painted surfaces to prevent paint deterioration, address water damage quickly and completely,
keep your home clean and dust free, let the water run to flush the tap, use only cold water to prepare food and drinks, and
use a water filter, and teach children to keep their hands and toys out of their mouths and wash their hands frequently.