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This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.
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23rd Mar 2023
Pollutants, Important keywords in Environment
What are Air Pollutants?
Pollutants are the substances which cause pollution; air pollution is caused by air pollutants.
Types of Air Pollutants
| Primary Pollutants |
Secondary Pollutants |
| The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary pollutants. |
The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. |
Classification of Pollutants
| Particulate Pollutants |
Gaseous Pollutants |
- Lead
- Fly Ash
- Metallic Oxides
- Nanoparticles
|
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- Ozone (O3)
- Nitrogen oxide (NOx)
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
|
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Benzene
- Ethylene
- Biological pollutants
- Asbestos
- Radon
|
Particulate Pollutants
The particles that pollute the air by being suspended can be defined as particulate pollutants.
These particles are results of some anthropogenic processes like vehicles, industries, construction sites/activities, etc. or natural sources like pollen, volcanic eruptions, natural gaseous precursors, etc.
- Their size ranges from 0.001 to 500 micrometers (µm) in diameter.
| Heavy Particulate Matter |
Suspended Particulate Matter |
Nanoparticulate Matter |
|
|
|
|
- Settles down after a point
|
- Floats and moves freely with air currents
|
- Very light and harmful
- Form aerosols
|
Gaseous Pollutants
| Gaseous Pollutants |
Description |
Impacts |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) |
- Highly toxic.
- Produced from internal combustion engines due to incomplete combustion.
- Other sources are volcanoes, forest fires, etc.
- Greenhouse gas.
|
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Produces carboxyhemoglobin reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
|
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) |
- Heavier than air.
- Source are volcanoes, fire, etc.
- Greenhouse gas.
|
- CO2 is an asphyxiant gas (asphyxia: a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death.).
- Has other harmful effects if a high concentration of CO2 is inhaled like dizziness, headache, etc.
- Carbonic rain in high polluted areas.
|
| Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) |
- Used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosols, etc.
|
- Highly destructive to the Ozone layer.
|
| Ozone (O3) |
- Very useful in the Stratosphere but harmful at the ground layer.
- It’s produced due to industries and vehicles.
- Greenhouse gas.
|
- Has toxic effects.
- Causes watery and itchy eyes.
|
| Nitrogen oxide (NOx) |
- Various oxides of Nitrogen come under NOX.
- Caused due to the reaction between oxygen and nitrogen at high temps such as in combustion engines and industries.
|
- Aggravates Ashtamatic conditions and other respiratory issues in humans.
- Plays a major role in the formation of SMOG, acid rain (nitric acid), and the greenhouse effect.
|
| Sulphur dioxide (SO2) |
- Pungent smelling colorless gas produced from mostly volcanic activities, industrial processes, and production of sulphuric acid.
|
- Respiratory issues, premature deaths, and death of certain nerves when inhaled.
|
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) |
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature.
|
- Irritations in eyes, skin, nose, and throat.
- Long-term exposure can cause serious damage to the liver and other organs.
|
| Benzene |
- Found in petrochemicals and used as a fuel additive
|
- Increases cancer risk and a major cause of bone marrow failure.
|
| Ethylene |
- Used in plastic and chemical industries in the production of Polyethylene and other polymers.
|
- Excess exposure can cause headaches and dizziness.
- Ethylene oxide is a carcinogen.
|
| Asbestos |
- Occurs naturally as a fibrous mineral.
|
- Prolonged exposure and inhalation can be very harmful and can cause fatal illness.
|
