Pollutant Source Harmful effect

Complete combustion of any fuel

Carbon Dioxide,
containing carbon atoms ○ Contributes to global warming
CO2
C + O2 → CO2

○ Poisonous gas
■ Causes health problems –
breathing difficulties, because it
Incomplete combustion of any fuel
Carbon Monoxide, reduces the amount of oxygen
containing carbon atoms
CO that red blood cells can carry
2C + O2 →2CO
around the body
■ death due to oxygen
starvation

○ Dissolves in rain and forms acid rain

■ Kills plants and aquatic life
Combustion of fossil fuels which
Sulfur dioxide, ■ Erodes stonework
contain sulfur compounds
SO2 ■ Corrodes metals
S + O2 → SO2
○ Irritates eyes and throat, causes
respiratory problems

○ React with other pollutants, in

Nitrogen reacting with oxygen in sunlight, to form a photochemical
Nitrogen oxides,
car engines smog, which causes breathing
NOx
N2 + O2 → 2NO difficulties
○ Dissolves in rain and forms acid rain

Lead compounds were once

commonly used as additives in
○ Damages brain and nervous system
Lead compounds petrol. They are released during
○ Damages development in children
the combustion of leaded
petrol/fuels