Sources of Atmospheric Pollutants

Whenever we use energy we create a number of substances which eventually find their way into the atmosphere.

Some substances, such as carbon monoxide, have a direct impact on our well being. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas!

Other substances, such as sulphur dioxide, act indirectly by producing secondary effects. SO2 readily dissolves in water to produce acid rain.


Transparency Master 		Our total use of energy, on a national basis, can be broadly grouped into four main categories. These are:
  1. The generation of electricity;
  2. Non-electrical heating and cooling of buildings;
  3. Industrial manufacturing and processing;
  4. Transportation (shipping by highway, rail, sea and air).
Each of these energy uses contributes to atmospheric pollution in a different way, as illustrated in the chart to the left.

As a greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide is the most important. It is also the most abundant gas that we create through our domestic use of energy. The domestic use of energy includes electricity, (lighting and appliances), home heating, and personal transportation using trucks, cars and vans.

Student Activity

Answer Key

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