Effects of Pollutants

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide are harmful to use as our haemoglobin reacts better with Carbon Monoxide than Oxygen hence the Carbon Monoxide will react with the haemoglobin to form carboxyhaemoglobin. This will eventually cause the cells to die due to lack of oxygen


Particulates

Particulates such as dust and lead will cause harm to our human body as well.

Dust - Contributes to the formation of photochemical smog and cause breathing difficulties.
Lead - Causes lead poisoning and eventually causing permanent brain damage


Sulfur Dioxide

1. SO2 dissolves readily in rain water to form sulfurous acid, which can be oxidised by air to form sulfuric acid, forming Acid Rain.

SO2 + H2O --> H2SO3

2. Irritates eyes and attacks lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
Ozone
Leads To Formation of Photochemical Smog.
O2 and NO2 react in the presence of sunlight to form Ozone.
Ozone being highly reactive will react with unburnt Hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen to form peroxyacyl nitrates (PAN) which are lacrimators and cause tearing of eyes.


Oxides of Nitrogen
1. NO2 dissolve in rain water to form Acid Rain.

4NO2 + 2H2O + O2 --> 4HNO3


Effects of Acid Rain:

- Corrode metal structures/limestone buildings
- Lowers pH of water, kills aquatic life.

2. Irritates eyes and infects our lungs, causing breathing difficulties.