9.1.12

Properties of Atmospheric Pollutants

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The Consequences of Atmospheric Pollutants

Common atmospheric pollutants include carbon monoxide, particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The negative effects of each of these are described here.

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Carbon monoxide

  • Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin in the blood.
    • This restricts the blood’s ability to transport oxygen throughout the body.
  • Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless.
    • This means that it is difficult to detect in the air.
  • If exposed to too much carbon monoxide, symptoms can range from fainting to fatality.
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Particulates

  • Inhaling particulates can cause respiratory issues.
  • Particulates reflect incoming radiation out into space.
    • This leads to global dimming, which decreases the levels of sunlight available for photosynthesis. This can have knock-on effects for rainfall patterns.
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Sulfur dioxide

  • Inhaling sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory issues.
  • Sulfur dioxide can react with water to form sulfuric acid.
    • Sulfuric acid is a major part of acid rain, which can cause:
      • The corrosion of steel.
      • The weathering of buildings, monuments and statues.
      • The death of insects, plants, and aquatic organisms.
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Nitrogen oxides

  • Inhaling nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory issues.
  • Nitrogen oxides can react with water to form nitric acid.
    • Like sulfuric acid, nitric acid is a key component in acid rain.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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