CLEAN AIR POLLUTION

prepared by :Mr.ISKU
POLLUTANTS
 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. These particles vary greatly in size,
composition, and origin.

 The size of particles affects their potential to cause health problems:

 PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less): these
particles are small enough to pass through the throat and nose and
enter the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and
lungs and cause serious health effects.
 PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less): these
particles are so small they can get deep into the lungs and into the
bloodstream. There is sufficient evidence that exposure to PM2.5 over
long periods (years) can cause adverse health effects. Note that PM10
includes PM2.5.
Ozone (O3)
 Ozone, O3, is composed of three oxygen atoms joined together. Two
oxygen atoms joined together form the basic oxygen molecule O2. The
additional third atom makes ozone an unstable, highly reactive gas.
Ozone is found in two areas of the Earth’s atmosphere: in the upper
atmosphere and at ground level. Ozone in the upper atmosphere
protects us by filtering out damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

 On the other hand, ozone at ground level is damaging to our health.

Ground level ozone is the main component of smog and is the product
of the interaction between sunlight and emissions from sources such as
motor vehicles and industry. Ground level ozone is more readily formed
during the summer months and reaches its highest concentrations in
the afternoon or early evening.

 Ozone can travel long distances and accumulate to high concentrations

far away from the sources of the original pollutants. Ground level ozone
can be harmful to our health even at low levels. This includes ozone
generated by ozone generators.
Nitrogen dioxide
 is a highly reactive gas formed by emissions from
motor vehicles, industry, unflued gas-heaters and gas
stove tops. High concentrations can be found
especially near busy roads and indoors where unflued
gas-heaters are in use.

 Other indoor sources can be from cigarette smoke or

from cooking with gas. Outdoors, nitrogen dioxide
contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone (O3)
as well as particulate matter pollution. Nitrogen dioxide
is a respiratory irritant and has a variety of adverse
health effects on the respiratory system.