Air

A colorless, odorless, tasteless, gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78 percent) an

d oxygen (approximately 21percent) with lesser amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, ne
on, helium, and other gases.
Air is the Earth's atmosphere. It is the clear gas in which living things live and breathe. It has an
indefinite shape and volume. It has no color or smell. It has mass and weight. It is a matter as it
has mass and weight. Air creates atmosphere pressure. There is no air in the
vacuum and cosmos.
Air is a mixture of 78.09% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.039% carbon dioxide, and
small amounts of other gases.[1][2]There is an average of about 1% water vapour.

Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse
change.
the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or
poisonous effects.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the introduction of particulates, biological molecules, or other harmful materials
into the Earth's atmosphere, possibly causing disease, death to humans, damage to other living
organisms such as food crops, or the natural or built environment.
Air pollutants
Any substance in air that could, in high enough concentration, harm animals, humans,
vegetation, and/or materials. Such pollutants may be present as solid particles, liquid droplets,
or gases
What Are the Six Common Air Pollutants?
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six common air
pollutants. These commonly found air pollutants (also known as "criteria pollutants") are found
all over the United States. They are particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter),
ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. These pollutants
can harm your health and the environment, and cause property damage. Of the six pollutants,
particle pollution and ground-level ozone are the most widespread health threats. EPA calls
these pollutants "criteria" air pollutants because it regulates them by developing human healthbased and/or environmentally-based criteria (science-based guidelines) for setting permissible
levels. The set of limits based on human health is called primary standards. Another set of limits
intended to prevent environmental and property damage is called secondary standards.
1. Ozone

Ozone is found in two regions of the Earth's atmosphere at ground level and in the upper
regions of the atmosphere. Both types of ozone have the same chemical composition
(O3). While upper atmospheric ozone protects the earth from the sun's harmful rays, ground
level ozone is the main component of smog.
Troposheric, or ground level ozone, is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical
reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Ozone is
likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments. Ozone can also be
transported long distances by wind. For this reason, even rural areas can experience high
ozone levels.
High ozone concentrations have also been observed in cold months, where a few high elevation
areas in the Western U.S. with high levels of local VOC and NOx emissions have formed ozone
when snow is on the ground and temperatures are near or below freezing. Ozone contributes to
what we typically experience as "smog" or haze, which still occurs most frequently in the
summertime, but can occur throughout the year in some southern and mountain regions.
Ground level ozone- what we breathe- can harm our health. Even relatively low levels of ozone
can cause health effects. People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are
active outdoors may be particularly sensitive to ozone.
Children are at greatest risk from exposure to ozone because their lungs are still developing and
they are more likely to be active outdoors when ozone levels are high, which increases their
exposure. Children are also more likely than adults to have asthma.
Ozone also affects sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, including forests, parks, wildlife
refuges and wilderness areas. In particular, ozone harms sensitive vegetation, including trees
and plants during the growing season.
Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors,
and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC.
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has established health and environmentally protective standards
for ozone in the air we breathe. EPA and others have instituted a variety of multi-faceted
programs to meet these standards. Learn more about EPA's ozone standards and regulatory
actions.
Throughout the country, additional programs are being put into place to cut NOx and VOC
emissions from vehicles, industrial facilities, and electric utilities. Programs are also aimed at
reducing pollution by reformulating fuels and consumer/commercial products, such as paints
and chemical solvents that contain VOC.
Voluntary and innovative programs encourage communities to adopt practices, such as
carpooling, to reduce harmful emissions.

HEALTH EFFECTS.
Ozone in the air we breathe can harm our healthtypically on hot, sunny days when ozone can
reach unhealthy levels. Even relatively low levels of ozone can cause health effects. People
with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors may be particularly
sensitive to ozone.
Children are at greatest risk from exposure to ozone because their lungs are still developing and
they are more likely to be active outdoors when ozone levels are high, which increases their
exposure. Children are also more likely than adults to have asthma.
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat
irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground level
ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure
may permanently scar lung tissue.
Ozone can:

Make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously.

Cause shortness of breath and pain when taking a deep breath.

Cause coughing and sore or scratchy throat.

Inflame and damage the airways.

Aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

Increase the frequency of asthma attacks.

Make the lungs more susceptible to infection.

Continue to damage the lungs even when the symptoms have disappeared.
These effects may lead to increased school absences, medication use, visits to doctors and
emergency rooms, and hospital admissions. Research also indicates that ozone exposure may
increase the risk of premature death from heart or lung disease.
Ozone is particularly likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments.
It is a major part of urban smog. Ozone can also be transported long distances by wind. For
this reason, even rural areas can experience high ozone levels. And, in some cases, ozone can
occur throughout the year in some southern and mountain regions.
ECOSYSTEM EFFECTS
Ozone also affects sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, including forests, parks, wildlife
refuges and wilderness areas. In particular, ozone harms sensitive vegetation, including trees
and plants during the growing season.
Plant species that are sensitive to ozone and potentially at an increased risk from exposure
include trees such as black cherry, quaking aspen, ponderosa pine and cottonwood. These
trees are found in many areas of the country.
Ground level ozone can have harmful effects on sensitive vegetation and ecosystems. When
sufficient ozone enters the leaves of a plant, it can:

Interfere with the ability of sensitive plants to produce and store food.

Visibly damage the leaves of trees and other plants, harming the appearance of
vegetation in urban areas, national parks, and recreation areas.
In addition to reduced tree growth and visible injury to leaves, continued ozone exposure over
time can lead to increased susceptibility of sensitive plant species to disease, damage from
insects, effects of other pollutants, competition, and harm from severe weather. These effects

can also have adverse impacts on ecosystems, including loss of species diversity and changes
to habitat quality and water and nutrient cycles.
2. Particulate Matter
"Particulate matter," also known as particle pollution or PM, is a complex mixture of extremely
small particles and liquid droplets. Particle pollution is made up of a number of components,
including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust
particles.
The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. EPA is
concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because those are the
particles that generally 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. EPA groups
particle pollution into two categories:

"Inhalable coarse particles," such as those found near roadways and dusty
industries, are larger than 2.5 micrometers and smaller than 10 micrometers in
diameter.

"Fine particles," such as those found in smoke and haze, are 2.5 micrometers in
diameter and smaller. These particles can be directly emitted from sources such as
forest fires, or they can form when gases emitted from power plants, industries and
automobiles react in the air.
Particle pollution (also called particulate matter or PM) is the term for a mixture of solid particles
and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large
or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected
using an electron microscope.
How Big is Particle Pollution?

See a larger version of the image here

Particle pollution includes "inhalable coarse particles," with diameters larger than 2.5
micrometers and smaller than 10 micrometers and "fine particles," with diameters that are 2.5
micrometers and smaller. How small is 2.5 micrometers? Think about a single hair from your

head. The average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter making it 30 times larger
than the largest fine particle.
These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different
chemicals. Some particles, known as primary particles are emitted directly from a source, such
as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires. Others form in complicated
reactions in the atmosphere of chemicals such as sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides that are
emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles. These particles, known as secondary
particles, make up most of the fine particle pollution in the country.
EPA regulates inhalable particles (fine and coarse). Particles larger than 10 micrometers (sand
and large dust) are not regulated by EPA
Health
The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small
particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, because they can
get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream.
Exposure to such particles can affect both your lungs and your heart. Small particles of concern
include "inhalable coarse particles" (such as those found near roadways and dusty industries),
which are larger than 2.5 micrometers and smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter; and "fine
particles" (such as those found in smoke and haze), which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and
smaller.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set air quality standards to protect both public health and the
public welfare (e.g. visibility, crops and vegetation). Particle pollution affects both.
Health Effects
Particle pollution - especially fine particles - contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that
are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems.
Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems,
including:

premature death in people with heart or lung disease,

nonfatal heart attacks,

irregular heartbeat,

aggravated asthma,

decreased lung function, and

increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or

difficulty breathing.
People with heart or lung diseases, children and older adults are the most likely to be affected
by particle pollution exposure. However, even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary
symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution.

Environmental Effects
Visibility impairment
Fine particles (PM2.5) are the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United
States, including many of our treasured national parks and wilderness areas.

Environmental damage
Particles can be carried over long distances by wind and then settle on ground or water. The
effects of this settling include: 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; and affecting the diversity of ecosystems.
Aesthetic damage
Particle pollution can stain and damage stone and other materials, including culturally important
objects such as statues and monuments.
3. Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas emitted from combustion processes.
Nationally and, particularly in urban areas, the majority of CO emissions to ambient air come
from mobile sources. CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the
body's organs (like the heart and brain) and tissues. At extremely high levels, CO can cause
death.
EPA first set air quality standards for CO in 1971. For protection of both public health and
welfare, EPA set a 8-hour primary standard at 9 parts per million (ppm) and a 1-hour primary
standard at 35 ppm.
In a review of the standards completed in 1985, EPA revoked the secondary standards (for
public welfare) due to a lack of evidence of adverse effects on public welfare at or near ambient
concentrations.
The last review of the CO NAAQS was completed in 1994 and the Agency chose not to revise
the standards at that time.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set national ambient air quality standards for criteria
pollutants. Currently, carbon monoxide and five other major pollutants are criteria pollutants.
The others are ozone, lead, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The law also
requires EPA to review the standards periodically and revise them if appropriate to ensure that
they provide the requisite amount of health and environmental protection and to update those
standards as necessary.
Everywhere in the country has air quality that meets the current CO standards. Most sites have
measured concentrations below the national standards since the early 1990s, since which time,
improvements in motor vehicle emissions controls have contributed to significant reductions in
ambient concentrations.

Health

CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body's organs (like the
heart and brain) and tissues. At extremely high levels, CO can cause death.
Exposure to CO can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. People with several
types of heart disease already have a reduced capacity for pumping oxygenated blood to the
heart, which can cause them to experience myocardial ischemia (reduced oxygen to the heart),
often accompanied by chest pain (angina), when exercising or under increased stress. For
these people, short-term CO exposure further affects their bodys already compromised ability to
respond to the increased oxygen demands of exercise or exertion.

4. Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of a group of highly reactive gasses known as "oxides of
nitrogen," or "nitrogen oxides (NOx)." Other nitrogen oxides include nitrous acid and nitric acid.
EPAs National Ambient Air Quality Standard uses NO2 as the indicator for the larger group of
nitrogen oxides. NO2 forms quickly from emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants,
and off-road equipment. In addition to contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone, and
fine particle pollution, NO2is linked with a number of adverse effects on the respiratory system.
EPA first set standards for NO2 in 1971, setting both a primary standard (to protect health) and a
secondary standard (to protect the public welfare) at 0.053 parts per million (53 ppb), averaged
annually. The Agency has reviewed the standards twice since that time, but chose not to revise
the annual standards at the conclusion of each review. In January 2010, EPA established an
additional primary standard at 100 ppb, averaged over one hour. Together the primary
standards protect public health, including the health of sensitive populations - people with
asthma, children, and the elderly. No area of the country has been found to be out of
compliance with the current NO2 standards.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set national ambient air quality standards for criteria
pollutants. Currently, nitrogen oxides and five other major pollutants are listed as criteria
pollutants. The others are ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter.
The law also requires EPA to periodically review the standards and revise them if appropriate to
ensure that they provide the requisite amount of health and environmental protection and to
update those standards as necessary.
All areas presently meet the current (1971) NO2 NAAQS, with annual NO2 concentrations
measured at area-wide monitors well below the level of the standard (53 ppb). Annual average
ambient NO2 concentrations, as measured at area-wide monitors, have decreased by more than
40% since 1980. Currently, the annual average NO2 concentrations range from approximately
10-20 ppb.
EPA expects NO2 concentrations will continue to decrease in the future as a result of a number
of mobile source regulations that are taking effect. Tier 2 standards for light-duty vehicles began

phasing in during 2004, and new NOx standards for heavy-duty engines are phasing in between
2007 and 2010 model years. Current air quality monitoring data reflects only a few years of
vehicles entering the fleet that meet these strict NOx standards.
Health
Current scientific evidence links short-term NO2 exposures, ranging from 30 minutes to 24
hours, with adverse respiratory effects including airway inflammation in healthy people and
increased respiratory symptoms in people with asthma.
Also, studies show a connection between breathing elevated short-term NO2 concentrations,
and increased visits to emergency departments and hospital admissions for respiratory issues,
especially asthma.
NO2 concentrations in vehicles and near roadways are appreciably higher than those measured
at monitors in the current network. In fact, in-vehicle concentrations can be 2-3 times higher
than measured at nearby area-wide monitors. Near-roadway (within about 50 meters)
concentrations of NO2 have been measured to be approximately 30 to 100% higher than
concentrations away from roadways.
Individuals who spend time on or near major roadways can experience short-term
NO2 exposures considerably higher than measured by the current network. Approximately 16%
of U.S housing units are located within 300 ft of a major highway, railroad, or airport
(approximately 48 million people). This population likely includes a higher proportion of nonwhite and economically-disadvantaged people.
NO2 exposure concentrations near roadways are of particular concern for susceptible
individuals, including people with asthma asthmatics, children, and the elderly
The sum of nitric oxide (NO) and NO2 is commonly called nitrogen oxides or NOx. Other oxides
of nitrogen including nitrous acid and nitric acid are part of the nitrogen oxide family. While
EPAs National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) covers this entire family, NO2 is the
component of greatest interest and the indicator for the larger group of nitrogen oxides.
NOx react with ammonia, moisture, and other compounds to form small particles. These small
particles penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory
disease, such as emphysema and bronchitis, and can aggravate existing heart disease, leading
to increased hospital admissions and premature death.
Ozone is formed when NOx and volatile organic compounds react in the presence of heat and
sunlight. Children, the elderly, people with lung diseases such as asthma, and people who work
or exercise outside are at risk for adverse effects from ozone. These include reduction in lung
function and increased respiratory symptoms as well as respiratory-related emergency
department visits, hospital admissions, and possibly premature deaths.

Emissions that lead to the formation of NO2 generally also lead to the formation of other NOx.
Emissions control measures leading to reductions in NO2 can generally be expected to reduce
population exposures to all gaseous NOx. This may have the important co-benefit of reducing
the formation of ozone and fine particles both of which pose significant public health threats.

5. Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of a group of highly reactive gasses known as oxides of sulfur. The
largest sources of SO2 emissions are from fossil fuel combustion at power plants (73%) and
other industrial facilities (20%). Smaller sources of SO2emissions include industrial processes
such as extracting metal from ore, and the burning of high sulfur containing fuels by
locomotives, large ships, and non-road equipment. SO2 is linked with a number of adverse
effects on the respiratory system.
EPA first set standards for SO2 in 1971. EPA set a 24-hour primary standard at 140 ppb and an
annual average standard at 30 ppb (to protect health). EPA also set a 3-hour average
secondary standard at 500 ppb (to protect the public welfare). In 1996, EPA reviewed the
SO2 NAAQS and chose not to revise the standards.
In 2010, EPA revised the primary SO2 NAAQS by establishing a new 1-hour standard at a level
of 75 parts per billion (ppb). EPA revoked the two existing primary standards because they
would not provide additional public health protection given a 1-hour standard at 75 ppb.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set national ambient air quality standards for criteria
pollutants. Currently, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and five other major pollutants are listed as criteria
pollutants. The others are ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate
matter. The law also requires EPA to periodically review the standards and revise them if
appropriate to ensure that they provide the requisite amount of health and environmental
protection and to update those standards as necessary.
EPA first set standards for SO2 in 1971. EPA set a 24-hour primary standard at 140 parts per
billion (ppb) and an annual average standard at 30 ppb (to protect health). EPA also set a 3hour average secondary standard at 500 ppb (to protect the public welfare). In 1996, EPA
reviewed the SO2 NAAQS and chose not to revise the standards.
In 2010, EPA revised the primary SO2 standards by establishing a new 1-hour standard at a
level of 75 ppb. EPA revoked the two existing primary standards because they would not
provide additional public health protection given a 1-hour standard at 75 ppb.
In 2012, EPA took final action to retain the current secondary standard for SO2 of 500 ppb
averaged over three hours, not to be exceeded more than once per year

Health
Current scientific evidence links short-term exposures to SO2, ranging from 5 minutes to 24
hours, with an array of adverse respiratory effects including bronchoconstriction and increased
asthma symptoms. These effects are particularly important for asthmatics at elevated
ventilation rates (e.g., while exercising or playing.)
Studies also show a connection between short-term exposure and increased visits to
emergency departments and hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses, particularly in at-risk
populations including children, the elderly, and asthmatics.
EPAs National Ambient Air Quality Standard for SO2 is designed to protect against exposure to
the entire group of sulfur oxides (SOx). SO2 is the component of greatest concern and is used
as the indicator for the larger group of gaseous sulfur oxides (SOx). Other gaseous sulfur
oxides (e.g. SO3) are found in the atmosphere at concentrations much lower than SO2.
Emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO2 generally also lead to the formation of other
SOx. Control measures that reduce SO2 can generally be expected to reduce peoples
exposures to all gaseous SOx. This may have the important co-benefit of reducing the
formation of fine sulfate particles, which pose significant public health threats.
SOx can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles. These particles
penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease,
such as emphysema and bronchitis, and can aggravate existing heart disease, leading to
increased hospital admissions and premature death. EPAs NAAQS for particulate matter (PM)
are designed to provide protection against these health effects.

6. Lead
Lead (Pb) is a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in manufactured products.
The major sources of lead emissions have historically been from fuels in on-road motor vehicles
(such as cars and trucks) and industrial sources. As a result of EPA's regulatory efforts to
remove lead from on-road motor vehicle gasoline, emissions of lead from the transportation
sector dramatically declined by 95 percent between 1980 and 1999, and levels of lead in the air
decreased by 94 percent between 1980 and 1999. Today, the highest levels of lead in air are
usually found near lead smelters. The major sources of lead emissions to the air today are ore
and metals processing and piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded aviation gasoline.
In the past, motor vehicles were the major contributor of lead emissions to the air. As a result of
EPA's regulatory efforts to reduce lead in on-road motor vehicle gasoline, air emissions of lead
from the transportation sector, and particularly the automotive sector, have greatly declined over
the past two decades. Major sources of lead emissions to the air today are ore and metals
processing and piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded aviation gasoline. The highest air
concentrations of lead are usually found near lead smelters. Other stationary sources are waste
incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery manufacturers.

Health
In addition to exposure to lead in air, other major exposure pathways include ingestion of lead in
drinking water and lead-contaminated food as well as incidental ingestion of lead-contaminated
soil and dust. Lead-based paint remains a major exposure pathway in older homes. Learn more
about lead in paint, dust and soil.
Once taken into the body, lead distributes throughout the body in the blood and is accumulated
in the bones. Depending on the level of exposure, lead can adversely affect the nervous
system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems and the
cardiovascular system. Lead exposure also affects the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
The lead effects most commonly encountered in current populations are neurological effects in
children and cardiovascular effects (e.g., high blood pressure and heart disease) in adults.
Infants and young children are especially sensitive to even low levels of lead, which may
contribute to behavioral problems, learning deficits and lowered IQ.
Lead is persistent in the environment and accumulates in soils and sediments through
deposition from air sources, direct discharge of waste streams to water bodies, mining, and
erosion. Ecosystems near point sources of lead demonstrate a wide range of adverse effects
including losses in biodiversity, changes in community composition, decreased growth and
reproductive rates in plants and animals, and neurological effects in vertebrates.

Table of Main Air Pollutants

The table below gives you more detailed information about air pollutants, their sources and
how they effect you.
Pollutant
Particles (API) Air Particle
Index

Nitrogen
Dioxide (NO2)

Ozone (O3)

Source

Long term exposure is linked to:

Internal combustion
engines (eg, cars and
trucks);

Industry (eg, factories);

Burning wood;

Cigarette smoke; and

Bushfires.

Motor Vehicles are the

biggest contributors;

Other combustion
processes;

Formed by various complex

chemical reactions involving the
exposure of the oxides of nitrogen
and some hydro-carbons.
Ozone is the main ingredient of
photochemical smog in summer
and early autumn.

Carbon
Monoxide (CO)

Human Health Effects

Lung Cancer;

Heart Disease;

Lung Disease;

Asthma Attacks; and

Other health problems.

Exposure to high levels of

NO2 may lead to:

Lung damage; or

Respiratory Disease.
It has also been linked to:

Increased hospital
admissions for asthma and
respiratory problems;

Increased mortality.

Ozone effects the

lining of the lungs;

lining of the respiratory

tract; and

causes eye irritation.

Ozone also damages plants,
buildings and other materials.

Motor vehicle exhaust and burning When inhaled Carbon Monoxide

of materials such as coal, oil and
enters the bloodstream and

wood. It is also released from

industrial processes and waste
incineration

disrupts the supply of oxygen to

the bodys tissues.
A range of health effects may
result depending on the extent of
exposure.

Lead (Pb)

Is largely derived from the

combustion of lead additives in
motor fuels as well as lead
smelting.
Lead pollution from vehicle
emissions is declining due to the
introduction of unleaded fuels and
reductions in lead levels in leaded
fuel.

Lead retards learning in children

and the development of their
nervous system;
Lead effects almost every organ in
the body, whether it is inhaled or
ingested. Young children are
particularly susceptible;

Other atmospheric sources of lead

include waste incineration and
renovation of old houses (from
leaded paint).
Hydro-carbons
(HC) - chemical
compounds
composed of
Hydrogen and
Carbon atoms

Most fuel combustion processes

result in the release of hydro
carbons to the environment. The
largest fuel sources are natural
gas and petrol. Note that
hydrocarbons can enter the
environment both as evaporative
emissions from vehicle fuel
systems, or in exhaust emissions.
They are also a component of the
smoke from wood fires.

Exposure can cause headaches or

nausea, while some compounds
may cause cancer. Some may
also damage plants.