Air pollutants

1.1. What kinds of air pollutants are there?

Air pollutants come in various forms, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides
(NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
ozone (O3), and heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

1.2. What does Greenhouse effect mean? Why is it produced?

The process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun,
preventing it from escaping back into space. This trapped heat warms the planet's surface,
creating a stable climate conducive to life. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and
water vapor naturally contribute to this effect.
Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have intensified the
greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

1.3. Why are CO2 emissions so harmful? Where does all this CO2 come from?
It's the main greenhouse gas, mostly from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas for
electricity, transportation, and heating. This CO2 buildup traps more heat, leading to global
warming, which disrupts weather patterns, melts glaciers, and raises sea levels.

1.4. Investigate what effects has air pollutants in our health. Find data.
Respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases,
neurological disorders, and premature death. According to the World Health Organization,
outdoor air pollution leads to approximately 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide
annually.