Primary Pollutants

injected into the atmosphere directly..... examples include:

• carbon monoxide (CO)
  • odorless, colorless, poisonous gas
  • created by incomplete combustion (especially bad with older cars)
  • generates headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, can result in death
• oxides of nitrogen (NO_x, NO)
  • NO - nitric oxide
  • emitted directly by autos, industry
• sulfur oxides (SO_x)
  • SO₂ - sulfur dioxide
  • produced largely through coal burning
  • responsible for acid rain problem
• volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • highly reactive organic compounds
  • release through incomplete combustion and industrial sources
• particulate matter (dust, ash, salt particles)
  • bad for your lungs