Nitrogen Dioxide Nose and throat irritation, especially in people with asthma. Increases susceptibility to respiratory infections. Power plants, large industrial facilities, and motor vehicles. Ozone Irritates lungs and breathing passages, causing chest pain, sore throats and coughing. Increases susceptibility to respiratory infections and reduces the ability to exercise.
Effects are more severe in people with asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Long-term exposure leads to scarring of lung tissue and lowered lung efficiency. Ozone does not come directly from tailpipes or smokestacks, but forms when sunlight interacts with exhaust hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Particulates Aggravates existing heart and lung diseases, changes the body's defenses against inhaled materials, and damages lung tissue. The elderly, children and those with chronic lung or heart disease are most sensitive. Lung impairment can persist for 2-3 weeks after exposure to high levels of particulate matter.