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List of Priority Pollutants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets emission standards for a list of several high priority pollutants. These pollutants are commonly found in the air we breathe. The EPA is the agency responsible for monitoring the levels of these pollutants, as well as helping to find ways to reduce their emissions. These priority pollutants, or "criteria pollutants" as they are also known, can be dangerous to the environment as well as people.

  1. Carbon Monoxide (CO2)

    • Carbon monoxide (CO2) is a dangerous gas and one of the most prevalent pollutants. In 2010, the EPA reported that vehicle exhaust is the cause of 56 percent of all CO2 emissions nationwide. Exposure to excessive levels of CO2 can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. CO2 pollution is one of the biggest contributors to global warming, which is the degradation of the ozone layer. The ozone layer exists high up in the Earth's atmosphere and it filters out the sun's harmful UV rays. Trees and other plants convert CO2 into oxygen during photosynthesis, thereby removing excessive amounts of CO2 from the environment. But depletion of rainforests around the world for mining, farming and logging purposes means there are now less trees to remove the CO2 from the air we breathe. If you are interested in ways you can reduce your carbon footprint, visit http://www.cutco2.org/what-can-i-do.php.

    Nitrogen Dioxide

    • This dangerous pollutant is most commonly emitted by vehicles, heavy equipment and power plants. It is linked to health problems in the respiratory system. Nitrogen dioxide adds to the formation of smog. Nitrous acid is a related pollutant. Exposure to excessive levels of nitrous acid can cause bronchitis and other respiratory problems, as well as irritate the eyes, nose and throat. The EPA offers helpful suggestions to reduce your chances of overexposure to both these pollutants on their Web site. Visit http://www.epa.gov/iaq/no2.html#Health%20Effects%20Associated%20with%20Nitrogen%20Dioxide for additional information.

    Sulfur Dioxide

    • In 2010, the EPA reported that power plants, industrial plants and factories produce 93% of sulfur dioxide pollution in the United States. Coal burning is the single largest man-made source of sulfur dioxide pollution, accounting for about 50% of annual global emissions. Trains and ships that burn coal as fuel also contribute to sulfur dioxide pollution. Scientific studies show sulfur dioxide is harmful to the respiratory system.

    Particle Pollution

    • This really is a group of pollutants and it is commonly referred to as particulate matter pollution. It involves tiny particles of metal, dirt, organic chemicals or debris that are carried through the air and rain. Smoke from fires usually brings heavy particle pollution to an area. It is very dangerous because the particles and droplets of liquid are so tiny they can be inhaled and cause lung and heart problems. Another example of particulate matter you may be familiar with is soot. There are several ways you can reduce Particle Pollution. Visit http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile65e.stm#E46E322 to see how.

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