GCSE Chemistry · AQA 8462 · Topic 4.9.3
Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources
Key points
- Fuels such as coal, oil and gas contain carbon and hydrogen, and may contain sulfur. Burning them releases carbon dioxide and water vapour.
- Incomplete combustion (not enough oxygen) produces carbon monoxide and carbon particles (soot).
- Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas with no colour or smell, so it is hard to detect. It reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
- Sulfur dioxide forms from sulfur impurities in fuels. Oxides of nitrogen form when nitrogen and oxygen in the air react at the high temperatures of engines.
- Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause respiratory problems and dissolve in rain to form acid rain, which damages buildings, plants and aquatic life.
- Particulates (soot and unburnt hydrocarbons) cause global dimming by reflecting sunlight and can damage the lungs.
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Burning fuels gives us energy but also releases substances that harm people and the environment. You need to know where each pollutant comes from and what it does.
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