The most common ambient (or outdoor) air pollutants are Particulate Matter (PM 10 and PM2.5), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2).
Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) is a common & impactful air pollutant resulting primarily from combustion, including industrial activities, vehicles, & wildfires. Particulate matter differs greatly in its concentration and composition across the world but has a significant impact on public health in most countries. It is classified according to the size of its particles, the smaller categorization of which — PM2.5 — accounts for much of the pollutant’s detrimental effect on human and environmental health. Although the effects of PM are well studied, it remains in excess of benchmark levels for a large majority of the world’s population, prompting the need to take action in order to achieve cleaner air. Learn more about Particulate Matter here.
Ozone or O3, occurs both in the upper atmosphere and at the ground level. While it is a helpful substance in the upper atmosphere — forming a layer around the Earth to protect the planet’s surface from the sun’s ultraviolet rays — ozone acts as a pollutant at the ground level, causing negative effects on human and environmental health. Also known as ambient or tropospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is the primary component of the type of air pollution commonly referred to as smog. It is a colorless gas that is composed of three atoms of oxygen. Learn more about Ozone here.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a subtype of a class of air pollutants known as nitrogen oxides (NOx). It primarily results from fuel combustion from sources such as motor vehicles and industrial activities. Nitrogen dioxide has significant impacts on human and environmental health, most notably when it comes to respiratory and cardiovascular health. Learn more about Nitrogen Dioxide here.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuel. It is very dangerous as it can displace the oxygen in the human body and lead to deadly poisoning. It is produced from fuel-burning appliances. Learn more about Carbon Monoxide here.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is an air pollutant composed primarily of sulfur and oxygen. It results from combustion of coal, oil or diesel. It causes harmful effects on the lungs.