QUESTION: Which of the following is not an air pollutant?
A Carbon monoxide
B Sulphur dioxide
C Nitrogen
D Nitrogen oxide
ANSWER: Nitrogen
| Air Pollutant | Chemical Formula | Source of emission | Effects |
| Nitrogen Dioxide | NO2 | · Vehicle emissions
· Industrial combustion · Power plants |
· Respiratory problems
· Aggravation of asthma · Decreased lung function · Smog formation |
| Sulfur Dioxide | SO2 | · Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil)
· Industrial processes |
· Respiratory problems · Acid rain formation · Damage to plants and aquatic life |
| Carbon Monoxide | CO | · Vehicle emissions
· Incomplete combustion |
· Impaired oxygen transport
· Headaches · Fatigue · Cardiovascular issues |
| Ozone | O3 | · Photochemical reactions involving precursor pollutants (nox, vocs) | · Respiratory problems
· Decreased lung function · Aggravation of asthma · Crop damage |
| Volatile Organic Compounds | Various | · Vehicle emissions
· Industrial processes · Solvents · Paints |
· Air toxics
· Contribute to smog formation · Respiratory problems · Cancer risk |
| Lead | Pb | · Historical gasoline additives
· Industrial processes |
· Neurological damage
· Developmental issues in children · Cardiovascular effects |
| Mercury | Hg | · Burning fossil fuels
· Industrial processes · Waste incineration |
· Neurological damage, developmental issues in children
· Contamination of aquatic systems |
| Ammonia | NH3 | · Agriculture (fertilizer use)
· Livestock · Industrial processes |
· Air and water pollution contribution to particulate matter
· Ecosystem damage |
| Radon | Rn | · Natural sources (soil, rocks) | · Lung cancer risk
· Especially in indoor environments with high concentrations. |
| Formaldehyde | HCHO | · Combustion processes
· Industrial emissions · Building materials |
· Respiratory irritation
· Carcinogenic effects · Indoor air quality concerns |
| Particulate Matter | – | · Combustion processes (vehicles, industrial processes)
· Construction activities · Agriculture |
· Respiratory issues
· Cardiovascular diseases · Reduced visibility · Haze · Environmental degradation |