Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Biological threats, such as mold , dust mites, and pet dander, can create respiratory issues, congestion,
headaches, and infections, especially in those who are allergic. Some molds are toxic and can be very
harmful.
Carbon monoxide is undetectable without a proper monitoring device and can lead to asphyxiation, as it
disrupts blood oxygenation.
Wood-burning indoors can lead to the exacerbation of asthma symptoms, respiratory problems, and res-
piratory illness.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs ) have diverse effects depending on the product and amount of ex-
posure. Less severe symptoms of exposure include headaches; nausea; and eye, nose, and throat irrita-
tion. More severe exposure can lead to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Some VOCs
are known carcinogens and can lead to potentially fatal cancers. VOCs such as those used in dry-clean-
ing processes can have negative impacts on the environment if leaked from a storage source into the soil,
air, groundwater, or other water source.
Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs ) can bioaccumulate in the tissues of organisms and biomagni-
fy throughout a food web as organisms eat other organisms. They can cause neurological problems and
are cancer-causing, especially affecting the thyroid and liver. PBDEs can enter the water, soil and air,
and then make their way into wildlife.
Effects of Major Outdoor Air Pollutants
Major Sources
of Environ-
mental Pollu-
tion
Environmental
Air Pollutant
Health and Environmental Effects
Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood's ability to carry oxygen to body tissues
including vital organs such as the brain and heart. CO can cause headaches
and dizziness with continuous exposure. Higher concentrations can cause
nausea, impaired vision, confusion, fatigue, seizures, respiratory failure, and
death.
Carbon
monoxide
(CO)
Motor vehicle
exhaust
Motor vehicle
exhaust, heat
and power
generation,
explosives,
fertilizer
NO 2 can irritate eyes, nose, and lungs and lower resistance to respiratory in-
fection. Sensitivity increases for people with asthma and bronchitis. Environ-
mental effects include eutrophication in aquatic systems, acid rain, and photo-
chemical smog.
Nitrogen diox-
ide (NO 2 )
Industry (heat
and power)
that uses oil
or coal con-
taining sulfur
SO 2 can cause respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. It is a pre-
cursor of fine particulate soot. Sulfur dioxide is a major component of acid
rain, which accelerates corrosion of buildings and can disturb water and soil
pH levels and can produce industrial smog.
Sulfur dioxide
(SO 2 )
Formed from
a reaction of
NO 2 and
VOCs (nitro-
gen oxides,
hydrocarbons,
and sunlight)
Ozone can lead to respiratory problems, especially in people with existing res-
piratory ailments. Environmental effects include destroying vegetation (crops
and forests) and, thus, ecosystems. It is a foundation of smog.
Ozone (O 3 )
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