Pollution

Harmful effects of Non-mental and their compounds.

Non-metals and their compounds are extremely useful to humans, some compounds of the same non-metals can
have harmful effects on living systems and the environment like certain metals these non-metal compounds within
the environment are increasing due to pollution caused by man’s activities. These harmful substances are called
Pollutants. Pollution harms the environment.
Non-metal Compound
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Oxides of nitrogen (NO and NO2)
Carbon Particles (C3)
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Sources in the Environment
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, motor vehicles exhaust
Combustion at high temperatures in the motor vehicle engines
and power stations; lightning causing nitrogen and oxygen in
the air to react
Combustion of fossil fuels eg in industry bush fires and
cigarettes
Combustion of fossil fuels especially coal and heavy oils eg in
industry and power station.
Harmful Effects
Carbon monoxide binds with haemoglobin much more readily
than oxygen causing a reduction in the amount of oxygen
reaching body tissues this reduces respiration and mental
awareness causes visual impairment dizziness headache
unconsciousness and even death
1. Oxides of nitrogen are extremely toxic causing lung
damage.
2. Low concentrations irritate the skin eye and respiratory.
Low concentations system. They also cause leaves to die
reduces the growth of plants play a major role in the
development of photo chemicals smog and dissolve in
rain water forming Acid Rain
Carbon Particles blacken trees reducing photosynthesis and
blacken buildings they combine with water vapour and sulfur
dioxide to form Smog whichcauses poor visibility for drivers and
aircraft pilots and respiratory problems eg bronchitis, asthma
and lung disease.
Sulfur dioxide causes respiratory problems in humans, e.g
bronchitis it reduces the growth of plants and dissolve in rain
water forming an acidic solution known as Acid Rain