Question

A) briefly explain the effect of air pollutants on human health.

Answer 1

Air pollutants are very dangerous for human beings as humans live on air and if the air is polluted then it's will be harmful for human health. Air is the first means on which human lives so as to live they have to breath air and if air is polluted than then it will have worse effect on human beings.

Answer 2

1. Carbon Monoxide when inhaled, displaces oxygen in the blood and prevents the blood from carrying sufficient oxygen. This toxic gas, when inhaled causes nausea and vomiting, severe headaches, drowsiness, chest pain and shortness of breath.
2. Carbon dioxide has been increased by human beings through the burning of fossil fuels and clearing forests. When carbon dioxide concentrations exceed beyond set standards it can lead to kidney damage, asphyxiation and coma. Severe headaches and strain on the heart can result from inhalation.
3. Nitrogen dioxide is a smog-forming chemical. It's sources are the burning of gasoline, natural gas, coal, etc., fumes from automobiles and various processes used in chemical plants. When inhaled it will cause irritation and inflammation of the lungs and can lead to death. It is also an ingredient of acid rain.
4. Hydrocarbons in the atmosphere cause hypertension, respiratory distress and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. They have a carcinogenic effect on the lungs.
5. Pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause damage to leaves of plants and trees.
6. Ozone causes inflammation in the respiratory tracts and lungs leading to breathing problems like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It also causes irritation to eyes nose and severe headaches.