combustion of fossil fuels releases gases and particles. fossil fuels contain hydrocarbons
during combustion, the carbon and hydrogen in these compounds are oxidised so that carbon dioxide and water vapour are released into the atmosphere
when there is plenty of oxygen - all the fuel burns - this is called complete combustion
if there is not enough oxygen - not all fuel burns - this is called incomplete combustion
during incomplete combustion, solid particles (particulates) of soot (carbon) and unburn fuels are released and carbon monoxide can be produced as well as carbon dioxide
if particulates are inhaled, they stick to lungs and cause damage, causing respiratory problems
particulates are bad for the environment, they reflect sunlight back into space. less light reaches the earth, causes global dimming
carbon monoxide can stop blood carrying oxygen around the body. It does this by binding to the haemoglobin in your blood, so less oxygen is able to be transported
a lack of oxygen in your blood causes fainting, comas, or death
carbon monoxide does not have any colour or smell, so hard to detect making it even more dangerous
sulfur dioxide is released during combustion of fossil fuels that contain sulfur impurities, the sulfur becomes oxidised
nitrogen oxides are created from the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen in the air, caused by the heat of the burning . When these gases mix with clouds they form dilutesulfuricacid or dilute nitric acid. This falls as acid rain
acid rain kills plants and damages buildings and statues, makes metal corrode
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can be bad for human health- causing respiratory issues