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Those pollutants which are directly added into environment are called primary pollutants, for
example : sulphur dioxide, sulphur trioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons,
ammonia, compound of fluorine and radioactive materials.
The primary pollutants are converted into secondary
pollutants by reactions in the atmosphere.
These include ; sulphuric acid, nitrogen monoxide,
carbonic acid, hydrofluoric acid, peroxyacetyl-nitrate
(PAN), ozone, aldehydes, ketones and peroxybenzol.
Some Primary Air Pollutants
1. Carbon Monoxide: It is a colourless, odourless and
highly toxic gas, which is three times lighter than air and
soluble in water sources.
Natural: These are volcanic eruptions, natural gas
emission and oxidation of methane in the atmosphere.
Human Activities: Burning of fuel in various types of
transportation (e.g., motor vehicles, railways and aircraft)
is the major source (75%) of CO in the atmosphere.
Other sources are forest fires, combustion of fossil fuel and
agricultural products.
Industries in which any type of fuel is burnt in air is also source
of CO. These include iron and steel, petroleum, cement, brick-
kilns, paper and pulps, etc.
Incomplete combustion and dissociation of CO2 at high
temperature also produces CO.
Harmful Effects: Carbon monoxide is highly poisonous gas.
Human Sources: Paint, Smelters (metal refineries), lead manufacture, storage batteries, leaded
petrol, etc
Health effects: Lead accumulates in the body and brain leading to nervous system damage and
mental retardation (especially in children), digestive and other health problems. Lead containing
chemicals are known to cause cancer in test animals.
Chromium:
It is a solid toxic metal emitted into the atmosphere as particulate matter.