|
POLLUTANT
|
EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH
|
APPEARANCE
|
MAIN SOURCES
|
NAAQS* LIMITS
|
|
PM-10 Particulate Matter <10um
|
Harmful to body tissue (nose, throat, lungs). Too small to be filtered by the natural defense system of the body. Aggravates breathing
|
Dust and soot suspended in the air
|
Industrial sources, wood- burning stoves and urban dust.
|
50 ug/m3 Max. yearly average
|
|
150 ug/m3 Maximum in 24-hours.
|
|
SO2 Sulfur Dioxide
|
Converted to sulfuric acid when contacted by moisture (such as lining of lungs). Leads to higher incidence of respiratory diseases, and higher death rates.
|
Colorless, odorous gas; precursor to acid rain.
|
Burning of sulfur-containing fuel, such as coal and oil, and other industrial processes.
|
.14 ppm Maximum in 24 hours
|
|
03. ppm Max. yearly average.
|
|
NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide
|
Reduces cell immunity and resistance to bacteria and viruses. Causes respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
|
Poisonous, brouwnish gas; precursor to ozone and acid rain.
|
Motor vehicles and other fuel-combustion sources
|
0.053 ppm Max yearly average.
|
|
CO Carbon Monoxide
|
Reduces blood's oxygen carrying capacity, therefore leading to short-term impairments of mental processes.
|
Colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.
|
Incomplete fuel combustion, mainly vehicle exhaust.
|
9 ppm Maximum 8 hour average.
|
|
35 ppm Maximum 1 hour average
|
|
O3 Ozone
|
A pulmonary irritant. Irritates mucous membranes of nose, throat, and eyes. Leads to respiratory infections.
|
Primary ingredient of smog.
|
Chemical reaction between VOC, NOx, and sunlight to create ozone.
|
0.08 ppm measured over 8 hours.
|
|
Pb Lead
|
Poisonous to humans. Accumulates in the body and interferes with the blood-forming process and functions of the nervous and renal systems. Especially harmful to small children.
|
Invisible
|
Non-ferrous smelters, battery plants and lead additives in gasoline
|
1.15 ug/m3 Maximum quarterly average.
|