Common pollutants and health effects

Pollutants and how air quality can affect our health

Content in this section

Overview of Common pollutants and health effects
The seven main pollutants of concern
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Nitrogen dioxide is one of a group of gases called nitrogen oxides
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Particulate matter in the atmosphere can be from a whole range of sources
Hydrocarbons (including Benzene)
Term often used when discussing traffic pollution
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide is produced by 'complete' fossil fuel combustion
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
Sulphur dioxide is produced when a material, or fuel, containing sulphur is burned
Ozone (O3) - Ground Level
While naturally occurring ozone in the upper atmosphere, 'the ozone layer', protects the Earth, ground level ozone is harmful to health
Lead
The main source of lead in the atmosphere was from the combustion of petrol