Pollution
hazards and human health
The major pollutants emitted by motor vehicles include CO, NOx, sulphur
oxides, (SO), HC, lead (Pb) and suspended particulate matter (SPM).
These pollutants have damaging effects on both human health and ecology.
The human health effects of air pollution
vary in the degree of severity, covering a range of minor effects to
serious illness, as well as premature death in certain cases. Most of
the conventional air pollutants are
believed to directly affect the respiratory and cardio-vascular systems.
In particular, high levels of SO2 and SPM are associated with increased
mortality, morbidity and impaired pulmonary function, Lead prevents
hemoglobin synthesis in red blood cells in bone marrow, impairs liver
and kidney function and causes neurological damage.
| Pollutants |
Effects
on Human Health |
Effects
on the Natural Environment |
| Carbon
monoxide |
Can
affect the cardio-vascular system, exacer-bating cardiovascular
disease symptoms, particularly angina; may also particularly affect
foetuses, sickle cell anaemics and young children. Can affect the
central nervous system, impairing physical coordination, vision and
judgement, creating nausea and headaches, reducing worker
productivity and increasing personal discomfort. |
|
| Nitrogen
oxides (NOX) |
Nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) can affect the respiratory system. Nitrogen monoxide
(NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), where they play a part in
photochemical some formation, may contribute indirectly to increased
susceptibility to infections, pulmonary disease, impairment of lung
function and eye, nose and thread irritations. |
NO
and NO2 can contribute significantly to acid deposition damaging
aquatic eco-systems and other eco-systems such as forests NOx can
also have a fertilizing effect on forests. |
| Sulphur
oxides (SO2) |
Suphur
dioxide (SO2) can affect lung function. |
Sulphur
oxides can contribute significantly to acid deposition impairing
aquatic and forest ecosystems. Sulphates can affect the perception
of the environment by reducing visibility even at low
concentrations. |
| Particulate matter (SPM
and RPM) |
Fine
particulate matter may be toxi in itself or may carry toxic
(including carcinogenic) trace substance, and can alter the immune
system.Fine particulate can penetrate deep into the respiratory
system irritating lung tissue and causing long-term disorders. |
Fine
particulate can significantly reduce visibility. High dust and soot
levels are associated with a general perception of dirtiness of the
environment. |
| Lead
|
Can
cause brain damage, encephalopathy in children resulting in lower
IQ, death, hyperactivity and reduced ability to concentrate. |
Lead
|
|
