Air Pollution
Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. It is classified into indoor and outdoor sources and contributes to significant global morbidity, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Key Pollutants & Concepts
| Category | Key Examples |
|---|---|
| Gaseous | Carbon monoxide ($CO$), Sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$), Nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$), Ozone ($O_3$). |
| Particulate Matter | $PM_{10}$ (inhalable) and $PM_{2.5}$ (respirable—reaches alveoli). |
| Indoor | Biomass fuel smoke, Radon, Formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). |
High-Yield Clinical Notes:
- London Smog vs. Los Angeles Smog:
- London (Reducing): $SO_2$ + smoke (coal). Occurs in winter/damp air.
- Los Angeles (Oxidizing): Nitrogen oxides + hydrocarbons + sunlight (photochemical). Occurs in summer.
- Health Impact: Linked to COPD, asthma, lung cancer, and ischemic heart disease. $CO$ is a classic silent killer due to its high affinity for hemoglobin ($Hb$).
- Monitoring: Air Quality Index ($AQI$) is used globally to communicate air pollution levels and associated health risks.