5. Pollutant/
Contaminant
Source Mech. Of
action
Adverse
effects
Sulfur dioxide Combustion of
coal & oil
SO2 & SO3 in
presence of water
vapor form
sulphurous &
sulphuric acid
•DPL affected
•↑ airway
resistance
•Bronchitis
•Lung CA
•Acid rain
Carbon monoxide Incomplete
combustion of
hydrocarbons,
aircrafts,
automobiles
Carboxy Hb
↓ supply of O2 to
tissues
Normal: 0.16%
carboxyHb
C/F appears > 20%
Death > 60%
Irritability,
dizziness,
numbness,
headache, nausea
etc
6. Carbon dioxide Deforestation,
burning of coal,
oil
Traps radiation,
↑earth temp
Green house
effect
Body adapts to
minor
alteration
Altered
electrolyte
balance
Nitrogen dioxide
(NO2)
Combustion of
fossil fuels
Combines with Hb
More harmful than
CO
•Irritation of eyes
& nose
•↓pulmonary
function
•Acid rain
Particulates Grinding ,
spraying, smoking
•Pulmonary
irritant
•Carry microbes