Air pollution and health

TLDR: In this article, the authors outline the history of air pollution in the UK, describe the types of pollutant now in the atmosphere, and discuss the relation between air pollution and health.

Abstract: This paper outlines the history of air pollution in the UK, describes the types of pollutant now in the atmosphere, and discusses the relation between air pollution and health. The primary pollutants, which are directly discharged into the atmosphere, often from vehicle exhaust emissions, are: (1) sulphur dioxide (SO2); (2) nitrogen oxides (NOx); (3) smoke and particulates; (4) carbon monoxide (CO); (5) carbon dioxide (CO2); (6) organic compounds; and (7) metals, especially lead and calcium. The secondary pollutants, derived from primary pollutants, by chemical changes, include: (1) ground ozone, an important constituent of photochemical smog; and (2) acid aerosols. It is now proved beyond reasonable doubt that sufficiently high concentrations of atmospheric pollution have severe health effects. Various biological and medical methodologies can be used to evaluate their effects on health. Asthma and rhinitis are two important respiratory diseases, whose causes include air pollution. For the covering abstract see IRRD 869702.