These deposits include particles containing sulfuric acid, arsenic, beryllium and nickel. One study reports that sulfates from sulphur-containing compounds given off by fossil fuels and automobiles cause 21,000 premature deaths per year in one region alone. They are believed to aggravate respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema and cause shortness of breath and irritated eyes. Nitrates formed mostly by secondary reactions of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere are also linked to respiratory ailments and cardiovascular disease. Trace metals in the air include lead, cadmium, nickel, beryllium, mercury, arsenic, vanadium, chromium and asbestos.
Asbestos fibres cause lung cancer and cancer of the pleural cavity.
Nickel, arsenic, chromium, talc and fibreglass have also been linked with human cancer. In addition to particulate matter, there are many other air pollutants that take their toll on people, crops, animals, birds and even structures. A list of the more common chemical air pollutants follows. A Handbook for Journalists by Sharon M. Friedman and Kenneth A. Friedman, published by the Asian Forum of Environmental Journalists in cooperation with The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand, 1988.