The Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants

The use of energy inevitably leads to by-products in the form of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes. These wastes, however small, have an environmental impact.

The effects of these wastes can be grouped into three broad classes. Their impact may be:

  1. global warming (greenhouse gases);
  2. ozone depletion;
  3. acid rain and environmentally hazardous materials.
Examples: Examples: Examples:
  • carbon dioxide
    (all combustion processes)
  • methane
  • chlorofluorocarbons (usually aerosol propellants and refrigerants such as freon)
  • auto and truck exhaust
  • fossil fuel electrical power plants
  • chemical factories
  • pulp and paper mills
Effects: Effects: Effects:
Greenhouse gases are opaque to long wave infrared radiation and therefore they cause an increase in the equilibrium temperature of the Earth's atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases cause global warming and climate change.

These are chemically reactive compounds which upset the chemical equilibrium between oxygen and ozone in the Earth's upper atmosphere resulting in much less ozone.

Less ozone allows solar ultraviolet light to reach the Earth's surface. Solar uv causes skin cancer and destroys biologically important microorganisms.

Smog is a complex mixture of both gases and suspended particulate matter such as soot. Smog causes respiratory problems, forms low level toxic ozone, and combined with water vapour and sulphur compounds it will form acid rain.

Acid rain destroys forests and makes rivers and streams uninhabitable to many indigenous plant and animal species.

Primary Anthropogenic Source: Primary Anthropogenic Source: Primary Anthropogenic Source:
CO2: from all combustion processes.
Methane (natural gas): leaks and gas venting from oil wells 		Chlorofluorocarbons: Consumer products, (aerosol sprays), and industrial venting Smog, Soot, and Acid rain: Combustion of coal and wood, (oil to a lesser degree)

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