A3.2. Principal Sources of Pollutants
Air pollution occurs when harmful substances are emitted into the air. According to the Environment Agency, the main pollutants affecting the air in England and Wales are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, ground level ozone and small particles.
Some of the key pollutants produced by human activities are provided in the following sections:
- Sulphur
- Nitrogen
- Carbon
- Ozone
- Particulates
- Metals
- TOMPS (Toxic Organic Micro-Pollutants)
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)