Consequences of Atmospheric Pollutants
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 10.3.3
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 below.
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.
Lead compounds
- Lead compounds are toxic.
Greenhouse gases
- Carbon dioxide and methane cause global warming.
- Carbon dioxide and methane absorb infrared radiation from the sun, before emitting some of it back to earth in the form of thermal energy.
- This reduces the amount of thermal energy that is reflected back into space.
Test yourself on Consequences of Atmospheric Pollutants
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water to produce these components of acid rain
What two extremes can carbon monoxide exposure symptoms range between?