Common Atmospheric Pollutants and Sources

• what is a major source of atmospheric pollutants

  combustion of fuels
• most fuels, including coal, contain carbon and/or hydrogen and may also contain some sulfur
• gases released into the atmosphere when a fuel is burned

  carbon dioxide, water vapour, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen - solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons may also be released that form particulates in the atmosphere
• what is carbon monoxide

  toxic gas, colourless and odourless so is not easily detected
• what do sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause

  respiratory problems and acid rain
• what do particulates cause

  global dimming and health problems