| Pollutant |
Source |
Harmful
Effects |
National
Standard |
| Carbon
Monoxide (CO)- An odorless, colorless gas |
Carbon
Monoxide is produced mostly by incomplete combustion of fossil
fuels (i.e. gasoline, diesel, natural gas, coal) in
automobiles, buses, engines, boilers and some industrial
processes. Levels are usual highest in confined space with
poor ventilation such as a parking lot, tunnel or busy traffic
intersection. |
Carbon
Monoxide interferes with the ability of blood to transport
oxygen throughout the body to tissue and organs, mostly
affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems. This can
cause slower reflexes, confusion, headaches, fatigue and
drowsiness. It can also reduce visual perception and
coordination, making some simple activities (i.e. reading,
exercising) difficult. |
8 hour average:9 ppm
(10 ug/m3)
Primary
1 hour average:
35 ppm (40ug/m3)
Primary
|
| Lead (Pb)-
A heavy metal that when either ingested or inhaled can cause
adverse health effects |
In the
past leaded fuel was the main source of airborne lead. But
with the advent of unleaded fuel, lead levels throughout the
country are very low. There are still sources of airborne lead
though. They include smelters, battery plants, coal combustion
and the combustion of any substance containing lead. |
Lead
can cause nervous system damage, especially in the brain; it
can also adversely affect the kidneys, blood chemistry and
digestion. Children are especially at risk. |
Quarterly Average:
1.5 ug/m3
Primary & Secondary
|
| Nitrogen
Dioxide (NO2)-corrosive gas that appears yellowish or brownish
that is part of the reaction that produces smog. |
Results
from the burning of fossil fuels at high temperatures in motor
vehicles, trains, airplane, power plants, boilers and other
industrial activities. |
Causes
smog, which can inhibit the functions of the lungs. Also
causes acid rain which is harmful to all living things and
buildings as well. |
Annual Arithmetic Mean:
0.053 ppm
(100 ug/m3)
Primary & Secondary
|
| Ozone
(O3)- A colorless gas that is the major constitute of smog. It
exists in the Earth's upper atmosphere, the stratosphere,
where it protects the Earth from ultraviolet rays. But ground
level ozone is considered a pollutant. |
Ozone
is formed by a chemical reaction between Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen Oxides (Nox). VOCs and NOx come
mostly from automobiles and industrial emissions but VOCs can
also come from paints, insecticides and cleaners. |
Ozone
can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, particularly
during heavy physical activity. It also can worsen an asthma
attack and increase the lungs susceptibility to infections and
allergens. |
1 hour average:
0.12 ppm
(235 ug/m3)
Primary & Secondary
|
| Sulfur
Dioxide (SO2)- A colorless gas, odorless at low concentrations
but pungent at very high concentrations. |
Emitted
from industrial, institutional and utility boilers; petroleum
refineries, smelters, paper mills, and chemical plants. |
May
cause breathing problems and permanent damage to lungs; an
ingredient in acid rain which can damage trees, lakes, and
metals and reduce visibility. |
Annual Arithmetic Mean:
0.03 ppm (80 ug/m3)
Primary
24 hour average:0.14 ppm
(365 ug/m3)
Primary
3 hour average:
0.50 ppm (1300 ug/m3)
Secondary
|
| Particulate
Matter (PM -10)- PM- 10 is matter smaller than ten microns in
the ambient air. It is usually solid matter but it can be
liquid droplets of smoke, dust, ash or vapors. |
PM-10's
result from wood burning, the burning of fossil fuels, unpaved
roads and from industrial plants. But the largest portion
comes from soil and/or dust that becomes airborne due to
vehicles, wind or construction. |
Causes
nose and throat irritation, lung damage, bronchitis and
possibly premature death. Children, the elderly, and people
suffering from heart or lung disease are especially at risk.
Also damages paint, soils clothing and furniture, and reduces
visibility. |
Annual Arithmetic Mean:
24 ug/m3
Primary & Secondary
24 hour Average:
150 ug/m3
Primary & Secondary
|
| Particulate
(PM 2.5) * - Particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or
less |
PM-2.5
results from fuel combustion (from motor vehicles, power
generation, industrial facilities), residential fireplaces and
wood stoves. PM-2.5 particles can also be formed in the
atmosphere from gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides
and volatile organic compounds.
|
Causes
nose and throat irritation, lung damage, bronchitis and
possibly premature death. Children, the elderly, and people
suffering from heart or lung disease are especially at risk.
Also damages paint, soils clothing and furniture, and reduces
visibility. |
Annual Arithmetic Mean:
15 ug/m3
Primary & Secondary
24 Hour Average 65 ug/m3
Primary & Secondary
|
