Let's clear the air
A field guide to air pollution
Smog without borders
Be air friendly
Practice safe energy
A field guide to air pollution
There are four main types of air pollutants you should know about:
Particulate matter refers to the microscopic particles coming from vehicle emissions, construction, and agriculture that pollute the air.
- Ground-level ozone is the main ingredient in smog, and is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels for transportation, energy and industry. It’s believed to damage lung tissue, aggravate respiratory disease, and make people more susceptible to respiratory infections.(Ground-level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen in sunlight. Ozone concentrations can reach unhealthy levels when the weather is hot and sunny with little or no wind.)
- Sulphur dioxide comes from heavy industry such as coal-fired power plants. Heavy exposure causes breathing problems, respiratory illness, changes in the lung's defences in humans.
- Carbon monoxide comes from vehicle exhaust. Mild exposure may result in slight headaches, nausea, and flu-like fatigue.
All of the ingredients in smog’s chemical soup should concern anyone who needs to breathe. Learn more:
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