Carbon monoxide reduces blood's ability to deliver oxygen to vital tissues, affecting primarily the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Lower concentrations have been shown to adversely affect individuals with heart disease and to decrease maximal exercise performance in young. Higher concentrations above the national standard can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. Major sulphur dioxide emission sources are power plants, refineries, some types of chemical plants, primary metal smelters, and cement plants. These pollutants can be transported long distances from the source and can contribute to acid rain and visibility impairment.
Sulphur dioxide becomes sulfuric acid once it comes in contact with moist mucous membranes.
At elevated levels above the national standard, it irritates the respiratory tract, causing restricted air flow and breathing difficulty. Individuals with pre-existing pulmonary disease are particularly susceptible to these effects. Respirable particulate matter includes dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and aerosols emitted into the air by various sources. Major sources of particulate pollution are factories, power plants, refuse incinerators, motor vehicles, construction activity, fires, and natural windblown dust. These microscopic particles can be inhaled and deposited deep in the lungs where they can be trapped on membranes.