HEALTH IMPACTS: AIR POLLUTION | Centre for Science and Environment



Major air pollutants and their associated health hazards

Name of pollutant Health impacts
RSPM Respiratory illness, including chronic bronchitis and asthma; heart diseases.
SO2 Heart diseases; respiratory problems including pulmonary emphysema, cancer, eye burning, headache, etc.
NO2 Lung irritation, viral infection, airway resistance, chest tightness, etc.
SPM Pneumoconiosis, restrictive lung diseases, asthma, cancer, etc.
Benzene It causes immunotoxicity, carcinogenicity, asthma, anemia, unconsciousness etc.
Ozone Impaired lung function, chest pains, coughing, irritation of eyes, nose etc.
CO CO poisoning cause cherry lips, unconsciousness, death by asphyxiation etc.
Lead It causes decreased hemoglobin synthesis, anemia, damage the nervous and renal (kidney) systems etc.
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