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Combustion Pollutants

Combustion pollutants, pollutants resulting from the burning of fuels such as coal, oil, wood, kerosene and even tobacco, are a major concern for public health and environmental experts. A number of pollutants are released into the air every time a fuel is combusted, most of which have detrimental effects on the environment, public health and even the Earth's climate.

  1. Carbon Monoxide

    • One of the most dangerous combustion pollutants for human health, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas resulting from incomplete combustion, a combustion process that cannot be completed due to a lack of air. Carbon monoxide is highly toxic and can be fatal in acute or chronic exposure situations. Proper ventilation of combustion processes, however, reduces the formation of carbon monoxide and allows the carbon monoxide formed to dissipate in the air.

    Nitrogen and Sulfur Oxides

    • Depending on the fuel used, combustion processes also can generate large amounts of sulfur and nitrogen oxides. Both sulfur and nitrogen dioxide, the two most common gasses formed, are hazardous to human health, causing irritation of the eyes and the mucus membranes in the respiratory tract. Heavy or sustained exposure can even cause permanent respiratory damage or infection. Nitrogen dioxide, moreover, is a powerful greenhouse gas, capturing up to 300 times more heat than carbon dioxide.

    Particulate Pollution

    • Particulate pollution is formed by small pieces of matter suspended in the air around a combustion process. The nature of the particulates depends on the kind of fuel used and is particularly prevalent in slow-burning fuels like coal and wood. Especially in closed areas where the particulates are allowed to accumulate, particulate pollution can cause respiratory tract infections and obstructions. Even in low concentrations, particulates can cause irritation in the eyes, nose and throat.

    Carbon Dioxide

    • Carbon dioxide is a heat-trapping gas, meaning that is stores heat when it comes into contact with sunlight in the atmosphere. Although the gas is quite prevalent in the Earth's atmosphere, increases in the concentration of heat-trapping gasses like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can lead to profound changes in atmospheric conditions and the Earth's climate. Climate change, the progressive destabilization of the Earth's climate due to changing atmospheric conditions, is, in the opinion of most scientists, largely due to combustion emissions of heat-trapping gasses.

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