Table 1 Major air pollutants, sources, health effects, and regulatory limits [15]
From: Recent progress in nanomaterials for air quality improvement
Pollutant | Major sources | Health effects | Guideline/Permissible limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Particulate Matter (PM2.5) | Vehicle emissions, industrial combustion, biomass burning | Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, premature mortality | 5 µg m⁻3 (annual mean) |
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) | Vehicle exhaust, power plants, industrial boilers | Lung irritation, asthma aggravation, formation of ozone and smog | 10 µg m⁻3 (annual mean NO₂) |
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) | Coal combustion, petroleum refining, smelting | Respiratory inflammation, bronchoconstriction | 40 µg m⁻3 (24-h mean) |
Carbon Monoxide (CO) | Incomplete combustion, vehicles, heating systems | Reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, neurological effects | 4 mg m⁻3 (24-h mean) |
Ozone (O₃) | Secondary pollutant formed from NOx and VOCs | Respiratory irritation, reduced lung function | 100 µg m⁻3 (8-h mean) |
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | Solvents, paints, fuel evaporation, industrial processes | Headache, irritation, some carcinogenic effects | Varies depending on compound |