atmosphere and the environment

air is a mixture of elements and compounds it is made up of 78% nitrogen, 20.9% oxygen, 0.9% argon, 0.17% other gases and 0.03% carbon dioxide

it can be separated into its constituent gases through fractional distillation of liquid air

carbon monoxide is an air pollutant that when inhaled, binds with the haemoglobin in our blood and reduces the ability to transport oxygen, lead to breathing difficulties and potential death source: incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances

oxides of nitrogen (NO,NO2), is an air pollutant. health wise, oxides of nitrogen causes difficulties with breathing, and irritated lungs and eyes. environmentally wise, oxides of nitrogen causes acid rain, which corrodes marble buildings and metal structures. it also lowers the pH of soil and water bodies, harming aquatic life and plants. source: internal combustion of engine, lighting activity (at high temperature, nitrogen reacts with oxygen in the air)

sulfur dioxide is an air pollutant. health wise, it can cause difficulties with breathing and irritate ones eyes and lungs. environmentally, sulfur dioxide causes acid rain which corrodes marble buildings and metal structures. it also lowers the pH of soil and water bodies, harming aquatic life and plants. source: volcano eruptions and combustion of fossil fuels

methane is a pollutant that comes from the decaying of plants and animals. it is a greenhouse gas which traps heat, so it causes global warming

released from vehicle exhaust

it is formed when nitrogen dioxide in the air reacts with unburnt hydrocarbons in the presence of uv light. it produces photochemical smog, which irritate the eyes and lungs, causing breathing difficulties.