Pollution

FOSSIL FUELS like coal, oil and natural gas are major sources of HYDROGEN, CARBON and sometimes SULFUR. When burnt, they release:

• CARBON DIOXIDE (CO₂).
• CARBON MONOXIDE (CO).
• WATER VAPOUR (H₂O).
• OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NO or NO₂).
• SULFUR DIOXIDE (SO₂).
• SOOT- CARBON PARTICULATES (C).

CARBON DIOXIDE AND WATER VAPOUR:

These are produced by the COMPLETE COMBUSTION of hydrocarbons.

They are GREENHOUSE GASES that can lead to GLOBAL WARMING.

CARBON MONOXIDE:

This is a TOXIC GAS produced by INCOMPLETE COMBUSTION of hydrocarbons.

If breathed in, can bind to HAEMOGLOBIN in RED BLOOD CELLS which can stop the BLOOD from CARRYING OXYGEN.

This can lead to FAINTING, COMA and even DEATH.

It is an ODOURLESS and COLOURLESS gas making it difficult to detect.

CARBON PARTICULATES:

Also known as SOOT, SOLID pieces of Carbon can be formed during INCOMPLETE COMBUSTION.

When inhaled, it can lead to RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS.

When released into the environment, it can lead to GLOBAL DIMMING where LESS LIGHT reaches the Earth.

SULFUR DIOXIDE:

This is produced during the combustion of COAL containing SULFUR IMPURITIES.

The Sulfur reacts with Oxygen to form SULFUR DIOXIDE.

When this mixes with water in the clouds, it forms SULFURIC ACID which falls as ACID RAIN.

ACID RAIN can kill plants, and damage BUILDINGS and STATUES.

It can also cause RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS when inhaled.

OXIDES OF NITROGEN:

This can include gases like NO and NO₂, which are formed in CAR ENGINES. The HIGH TEMPERATURES created by the burning of the fossil fuels allow NITROGEN and OXYGEN in the air to REACT to form OXIDES OF NITROGEN.

These can mix with water in clouds to form NITRIC ACID, which can fall as ACID RAIN.

These can also cause RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS when inhaled.