Air Pollutants which is one of the most common problems affecting the Health & Environment is spreading at a very large scale all over the world. The major consequence of Air Pollution which can be seen includes Global Warming, Ozone Layer Depletion and Acid Rain. Air Pollution is the major cause of most of the Respiratory disorders.
| INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS, THEIR SOURCES AND HEALTH EFFECTS | ||
| POLLUTANTS | SOURCES | HEALTH EFFECTS |
| Particulate matter | Road dust, construction, combustion, burning fossil fuels, exhaust from Power Plants | Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, COPD, Acute changes in Pulmonary function, Premature death, etc.. |
| Sulfur dioxide | Burning coal and oil in power plants, exhaust from manufacturing processes for chemicals, paper, etc. | Chest constriction, Headache, Vomiting, Respiratory ailments, irritation to eyes, nose and throat |
| Nitrogen dioxide | Automobile, Gas Stoves exhaust, Industrial and Kerosene heater | Cough, Respiratory infections, short of breath, |
| Carbon monoxide | Burning coal, automobile exhaust, furnaces, heaters | Headache, reduction in Oxygen carrying capacity |
| Benzene | Paints, new carpets and drapes | Headache, eye and skin irritation, fatigue, cancer |
| HydroCarbons | Tobacco smoke, gas burners, furnaces, etc. | Fatigue, Nausea, breathing problems, headache & dizziness |
| Ammonia | Tobacco smoke, cleaning supplies, litter boxes | Eye & skin irritation, headache, nose bleeding, Sinus problems |
| Chloroform | Upholstery fabrics, paints, etc. | Asthma, dizziness, eye irritation, skin irritation, headache |
| Formaldehyde | Tobacco smoke, plywood cabinets, furniture, office dividers, new carpets, wall papers, panels | Eye and skin irritation, headache, respiratory problems, depression, cancer, gynecological problems |
| Green House Gases | Burning fossil fuels, exhaust from automobiles | Leads to diseases that are related to temperature or by damage to land & water |
| Lead | Power plants, industries, automobiles, old pipelines | Dangerous to children, heart attacks & strokes. |