Children and individuals with asthma and other respiratory illnesses are at greater risk from exposure to nitrogen dioxide. Particulates can cause eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, and can increase respiratory problems, especially in those with preexisting medical conditions, such as cardiovascular illness and immune system diseases. Certain chemicals attached to the particles may cause lung cancer if they are inhaled. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length and amount of exposure. The health effects from inhaling particles depend on many factors, including the chemical makeup and size of the particles.
Sulfur dioxide irritates the eyes, nose, and the respiratory tract at low levels of exposure.
At high levels, it causes the lung airways to narrow. This results in chest tightness, wheezing, or breathing problems. Combustion always produces water vapor. Although water vapor is not usually considered a pollutant, it can act as one. It can result in high humidity and wet surfaces.