EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION 

EFFECT ON HUMAN HEALTH

i) Bronchitis, asthma, etc., are aggravated 

by high concentrations of sulphur dioxide SO2 , nitrogen dioxide (NO2 )

Photo chemical smog

ii) Pollens cause asthma

iii) Lead poisoning is caused by the entry of 

lead into the lungs.

iv) Hydrogen fluoride causes bone 

fluorosis and mottling of teeth.

v) Carbon monoxide (CO) may cause death 

by asphyxiation.

vi) Radioactive radiations may cause 

a) cancer, 

b) shortening of life span and

c) genetic defects.

vii) Oxides of Nitrogen: Causes eye and 

nasal irritation, respiratory discomfort.

Respiratory illness among children is 

very common due to this.

a) Effect on trees and plants: The air 

pollutants affecting trees and plants 

are sulphur dioxide, hydrogen 

fluoride, etc.

b) Effect on animals: Fluorine, arsenic 

and lead may cause contamination 

of vegetation and affecting the 

animals when they eat it.

c) Effect on physical features of the 

atmosphere:

i) Effect on visibility

ii) Effect on atmospheric constituents

iii) Green-house effect

iv) Ozone layer depletion

v) Acid rain

vi) Global warming

d) Effects on visibility: Fog and 

photochemical smog reduce the 

visibility considerably.

e) Effects on atmospheric 

constituent: Carbon dioxide 

CO2 is considered as a factor responsible 

for rise in ambient temperature.