What is Air Pollution?
Air Pollution is made up a mixture of gases and particles that
have been released into the atmosphere by both man-made and natural
processes.
The sources and chemical behaviour of each separate pollutant
are different, making the task of understanding and controlling air
pollution as a whole very complex.
There are seven main pollutants of concern:
Each pollutant has different sources, effects and behaviour,
however generally have visually similar effects on your health.
Concentrations of carbon monoxide , nitrogen dioxide and
particulate matter will generally be highest close to busy
roads.
Unusually due to complex atmospheric chemistry, ozone levels
will generally be highest in rural areas during the summer months.
VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) are a group of chemicals,
which contribute to the formation of ground level ozone.
Benzene and 1,3 butadiene are part of this group and are known
carcinogens. Local sulphur dioxide levels have generally been
decreasing. Concentrations are usually highest in the vicinity of
large industrial combustion processes such as power stations.