Properties of Atmospheric Pollutants
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 9.1.12
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Properties of Atmospheric Pollutants
What are the two negative effects of particulates described here?
What two extremes can carbon monoxide exposure symptoms range between?
Why does carbon monoxide reduce the amount of oxygen carried around the body?
What knock-on effect can global dimming have on the environment?
Which pollutant described here does not cause respiratory problems when inhaled?