Atmosphere
Page 110
Table 17 outlines the pollutants measured and reported upon in the current EPA
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring program.
Table 17: Summary of pollutants monitored by Ambient Air Quality Program
Pollutant
Health Effects
Source
CO
carbon
monoxide
CO binds to haemoglobin to form
carboxyhaemoglobin, this reduces
the capacity of the blood to carry
oxygen. CO also blocks important
biochemical reactions in cells.
CO is a gas formed by incomplete combustion of fuels
containing carbon.
-
Main source is petrol-fuelled vehicles 85% of emissions
(Ciuk 2002).
-
Industrial sources include steel plants, foundries, oil
refineries and chemical manufacturing facilities (lime).
SO
2
sulfur
dioxide
SO
2
causes constriction of the
airways by stimulating nerves in
lining of nose, throat and lungs.
Can be severe for persons with
asthma or chronic lung disease.
- Motor vehicles contributed 40% of SO2 in Adelaide in 2001
(Cuik 2002),
- Industrial sources contributed 53%.
Port Stanvac Oil Refinery was a major contributor until it was
decommissioned.
NO
2
nitrogen
dioxide
No
2
exposure is linked to an
increase risk of respiratory systems,
lung
function
changes
and
symptoms of bronchitis.
Combustion processes in air produce oxides of nitrogen (NO
x
)
including NO
2
and nitric oxide (NO).
- Motor vehicles contribute to about 68% of emissions,
- other sources include electricity generation, foundries and
domestic wood burning.
O
3
Ozone
Slight irritation to eyes and nose,
and may increase reactions in
people with allergies. High levels of
exposure over several hours may
damage the airway lining, and
inflammatory reactions.
Ozone formed by a complex series of chemical reactions
initiated by sunlight. NO
x
and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) derived from man made sources, and biogenics react
to form ozone.
-
Combustion, industrial processes, solvent use, petrol
distribution and handling produce these substances. NO
x
and VOCs are the most important precursors for generating
ozone.
-
Motor vehicles account for 40% of Adelaide’s VOCs (Cuik
2002).
-
CO, methane or other VOCs that arise from plants, trees
and other natural sources can promote ozone production.
PM
10
,
PM
2.5
, TSP
particulate
matter
PM
10
is particulate matter of less
than 10
μ
m aerodynamic diameter,
PM
2.5
to particulate matter of less
than 2.5
μ
m aerodynamic diameter,
and TSP (total suspended solids) to
particles with diameter less than 50
μ
m.
Particulate air pollution is associated
with respiratory and cardiovascular
difficulties, asthma and mortality
(Gehrig et al. 2002; Brunekreef and
Holgate 2002; Woodruff et al. 1997)
PM10 particles in the atmosphere comprise a wide range of
materials from a variety of sources:
- Coarse particles such as suspended soils and dusts, sea
salts
- Biological particles
- Particles from construction work
- Smaller particles from combustions sources (motor
vehicles)
- Particles, mainly sulfate and nitrate, formed by chemical
reactions in the atmosphere.
The first two types (coarse and biological) are around 64%
(Cuik 2002).
Pb
Lead
Lead is poisonous in all forms,
poison is cumulative and toxic
effects severe. Inhibits intellectual
development and behaviour, linked
with low birth weights.
Up to 97% of lead in Adelaide’s atmosphere used to originate
from exhausts of vehicles using leaded petrol (Cuik 2002).
Lead is also sourced from lead smelters, mining operations,
waste incinerators, battery recycling and production of lead
sinkers for fishing. Many older houses were painted with lead
based paint and unsafe housing renovations can release high
levels of lead indoors.
Lead is dense so does not stay in the atmosphere for very
long. Most lead is found where it is produced, near roads and
other point sources.
