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22 1. Air and ater Pollution W

applications. It is released into the air from industries producing, using, or handling CS 2 ,
ills, sanitary landf and natural-gas production and distrib ution.
Source: Any combustion of sulfur-containing fuels. Combustion installations are
responsible for 2.9 10 6 t/yr released into the air and 68.3% of the total emissions from
industry in Europe.
Impact: Winter-type smog, acidif ication.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NO x ,N 2 O) and other nitrogen compounds (NH 3 ,H C N )
Description : Nitrogen oxides (NO x ) are produced when fuel is burned at high tempera-
tures. The main anthropogenic sources of NO x are motor vehicles, electric utilities, and
other industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn fuels. Nitrogen oxide
(NO) is easily oxidized in the atmosphere to nitrogen dioxide, which reacts with volatile
organic compounds in the atmosphere, thus contributing to photochemical smog.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) can also react with hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere forming
nitric acid, a major component of acid rain. It can cause lung damage and illnesses of
the respiratory system. Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is one of the most drastic compounds in
,
er
v
greenhouse effect. Moreo it is stable for almost 120 years and can reach the strato-
sphere, where it participates in a reaction cycle catastrophic for ozone. Generally nitro- ,
gen oxides may contribute to the greenhouse effect, acid rain, photochemical smog, and
v ground-leel ozone formation.
Source : Combustion of nitrogen-containing fuels (fuel NO x ) or oxidation of atmos-
pheric nitrogen during combustions at high temperatures. Transport is the main contrib u-
tor, whereas in the industry sector combustion installations are responsible for 1.5 , 10 6
t/yr released to air and 58.3% of the total emissions from industry in Europe.
Impact: arming, Global w acidif photochemical smog, ozone layer depletion.
ication,
• Incomplete combustion compounds, such as CO and C H
x y
Description : Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. It is the
product of any incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and many natural and synthetic prod-
ucts. After it is inhaled, it enters the blood through the lungs and reacts with hemoglobin,
reducing the capacity of blood to carry oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. The body’s parts
v
gy
,
need oxygen for ener so high-leel exposures to carbon monoxide can cause serious
health effects, with death possible from massive exposures. Symptoms of exposure to carbon
monoxide can include vision problems, reduced alertness, and general reduction in mental
and physical functions. Carbon monoxide exposures are especially harmful to people with
heart, lung, and circulatory system diseases. It may cause chest pain, vision problems, dif f i-
culties in the learning ability of young children, and generally reduction in mental and phys-
ical functions. It also has a significant role in ozone production in the troposphere.
Compounds in of the form C H are hydrocarbons, which may be unburned fuel compounds
x y
or produced by incomplete combTheir impact on environment and public health
ustion.
depends on the exact structure of the compound.
Source : Road transport is the main source of carbon monoxide and unburned hydro-
carbons in the atmosphere. Among industrial processes, the metal industry is responsible
for 2.8 10 6 t/yr released into the air and 71.2% of the total emissions from industry in
Europe.
Impact: Health problems like chest pain and vision problems, photochemical smog.