What is in the Air We Breathe In Our Cities?

Analysing polluted air:
A guide to what we are breathing

Suspended particulate matter NO x O 3 CO 2 Others There are many other pollutants in the air we breathe in cities, but these are generally only present at much lower concentrations. Carbon monoxideBenzo(a)pyrene and benzenePolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonsMethane OZONE GAS is considered to be a POLLUTANT when it forms in the troposphere as a result of human activity and solar radiation. Exposure to high concentrations of ozone for long periods is DAMAGING TO OUR HEATH. Ozone exacerbates LUNG DISEASES and causes ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND ASTHMA ATTACKS. CO 2 is a GAS, product of COMBUSTION, including that which takes place in motor vehicles. At the concentrations we normally breathe, CO 2 does not harm our health, but it does have a negative impact on the environment because it contributes to GLOBAL WARMING. A MIXTURE OF SOLID AND LIQUID ELEMENTS suspended in the air, including particles of dust, metals, cement and organic matter. They are CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO PARTICLE SIZE, measured in micrometres (one thousandth of a millimetre): the smaller the particles, the more easily they can penetrate our bodies. Coarse particles or PM 10 (diameter ≤ 10 μ m and >2.5 μ m) are trapped by the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Fine particles or PM 2.5 (diameter ≤ 2.5 μ m and >0.1 μ m) can penetrate the respiratory system as far as the pulmonary alveoli. One of the components is black carbon , a product of incomplete combustion, especially of diesel fuel. Ultrafine particles or PM0.1 (diameter ≤ 0.1 μm) are the most dangerous airborne particles. They can pass through the walls of the lungs and enter the blood stream. They are A RISK FACTOR FOR MANY ILLNESSES: cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases and lung cancer, among others. NOx are TOXIC AND IRRITANT GASES made up of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and nitric oxide (NO). Some 70% of NOx are derived from motor vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel engines (the older they are, the more they pollute). They affect the RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, causing asthma, bronchitis and, in some cases, SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION. Suspended particulate matter NO x O 3 CO 2 Others There are many other pollutants in the air we breathe in cities, but these are generally only present at much lower concentrations: Carbon monoxide Benzo(a)pyrene and benzene Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Methane És un GAS producte de la COMBUSTIÓ, inclosa la del transport CO2 is a GAS, product of COMBUSTION, including that which takes place in motor vehicles. motoritzat. No té efectes nocius per a la salut en les concentracions que At the concentrations we normally breathe, CO2 does not harm our health, but it does have a negative impact on the environment because it contributes to GLOBAL WARMING. acostumem a respirar, però sí per al medi ambient ja que contribueix a L'ESCALFAMENT GLOBAL. OZONE GAS is considered to be a POLLUTANT when it forms in the troposphere as a result of human activity and solar radiation. Exposure to high concentrations of ozone for long periods is DAMAGING TO OUR HEATH. Ozone exacerbates LUNG DISEASES and causes ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND ASTHMA ATTACKS. A MIXTURE OF SOLID AND LIQUID ELEMENTS suspended in the air, including particles of dust, metals, cement and organic matter. They are CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO PARTICLE SIZE, measured in micrometres (one thousandth of a millimetre): the smaller the particles, the more easily they can penetrate our bodies: Coarse particles or PM10 (diameter ≤ 10 μm and >2.5 μm) are trapped by the mucous membranes of the nose and throat Ultrafine particles or PM0.1 (diameter ≤ 0.1 μm) are the most dangerous airborne particles. They can pass through the walls of the lungs and enter the blood stream. Fine particles or PM2.5 (diameter ≤ 2.5 μm and >0.1 μm) can penetrate the respiratory system as far as the pulmonary alveoli. One of the components is black carbon , a product of incomplete combustion, especially of diesel fuel. They are A RISK FACTOR FOR MANY ILLNESSES: cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases and lung cancer, among others. NOx are TOXIC AND IRRITANT GASES made up of nitrogen dioxide (NO ) and nitric oxide (NO). 2 Some 70% of NOx are derived from motor vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel engines (the older they are, the more they pollute). They affect the RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, causing asthma, bronchitis and, in some cases, SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION.