1.
Ammonia (NH3)
Formation
- Microbial decomposition
- Industrial processes
- Agricultural activities
- Livestock waste
Sources
- Fertilizers & Livestock manure
- Human waste
- Chemical manufacturing
- Waste
Health Impacts
- Eye/Lung irritation
- Respiratory diseases
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Nitrogen pollution
Most At-Risk Groups
- Farmers
- Rural/Urban residents
- Children
- Asthmatics
2.
Asbestos
Formation
- Natural mineral fibers
- Building material breakdown
- Industrial disturbance
- Demolition activities
Sources
- Old buildings
- Insulation materials
- Brake linings
- Roofing materials
Health Impacts
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Respiratory failure
Most At-Risk Groups
- Construction workers
- Demolition crews
- Old building occupants
- Maintenance workers
3.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Formation
- Complete combustion
- Respiration
- Decomposition
- Ocean release
Sources
- Fossil fuel burning
- Deforestation
- Industrial processes
- Cement production
Health Impacts
- Climate change effects
- Heat-related illness
- Respiratory stress
- High levels: asphyxiation
Most At-Risk Groups
- Global population
- Coastal communities
- Agricultural workers
- Vulnerable ecosystems
4.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Formation
- Incomplete combustion
- Oxygen deficiency
- Low temperature burning
- Poor ventilation
Sources
- Vehicle emissions
- Industrial processes
- Residential heating
- Wildfires
Health Impacts
- Reduces oxygen delivery
- Causes headaches
- Cardiovascular stress
- Fatal at high levels
Most At-Risk Groups
- Heart disease patients
- Pregnant women
- Infants
- Elderly population
5.
Lead (Pb)
Formation
- Metal processing
- Paint deterioration
- Battery manufacturing
- Mining operations
Sources
- Old paint chips
- Industrial emissions
- Lead batteries
- Contaminated soil
Health Impacts
- Neurological damage
- Developmental delays
- Kidney problems
- Reproductive issues
Most At-Risk Groups
- Children under 6
- Pregnant women
- Fetuses
- Industrial workers
6.
Methane (CH4)
Formation
- Anaerobic decomposition
- Bacterial activity
- Wetland processes
- Natural gas release
Sources
- Livestock digestion
- Rice paddies
- Landfills
- Natural gas leaks
Health Impacts
- Climate change impacts
- Indirect health effects
- Extreme weather events
- Food security threats
Most At-Risk Groups
- Global population
- Agricultural communities
- Coastal residents
- Low-income nations
7.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Formation
- High temperature combustion
- Nitrogen oxidation
- Lightning strikes
- Bacterial processes
Sources
- Motor vehicles
- Power generation
- Industrial furnaces
- Aircraft engines
Health Impacts
- Airway inflammation
- Reduced immunity
- Smog formation
- Acid deposition
Most At-Risk Groups
- Children
- Asthmatics
- Athletes
- Outdoor enthusiasts
8.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Formation
- Combustion particles
- Mechanical processes
- Secondary formation
- Natural sources
Sources
- Vehicle exhaust
- Construction sites
- Industrial emissions
- Dust storms
Health Impacts
- Deep lung penetration
- Cardiovascular disease
- Premature mortality
- Cancer risk increase
Most At-Risk Groups
- Elderly
- Children
- Heart patients
- Lung disease sufferers
9.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Formation
- Incomplete combustion
- Organic matter burning
- Fossil fuel processing
- Natural fires
Sources
- Vehicle emissions
- Tobacco smoke
- Grilled/charred foods
- Industrial processes
Health Impacts
- Cancer development
- DNA damage
- Immune suppression
- Reproductive harm
Most At-Risk Groups
- Smokers
- Industrial workers
- Urban residents
- Children
10.
Radon
Formation
- Uranium decay
- Radium breakdown
- Soil gas migration
- Radioactive process
Sources
- Soil beneath buildings
- Groundwater
- Building materials
- Natural gas
Health Impacts
- Lung cancer risk
- DNA damage
- Cumulative exposure
- Second leading cause
Most At-Risk Groups
- Smokers
- Basement occupants
- Long-term residents
- Children
11.
Silica (Crystalline Silica Dust)
Formation
- Rock crushing
- Mineral processing
- Sandblasting
- Cutting/drilling
Sources
- Construction sites
- Mining operations
- Foundries
- Stone cutting
Health Impacts
- Silicosis
- Lung cancer
- Tuberculosis risk
- COPD
Most At-Risk Groups
- Construction workers
- Miners
- Sandblasters
- Stone workers
12.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Formation
- Fossil fuel combustion
- Sulfur oxidation
- Metal smelting
- Volcanic activity
Sources
- Coal power plants
- Oil refineries
- Diesel engines
- Industrial boilers
Health Impacts
- Respiratory irritation
- Asthma exacerbation
- Lung function decline
- Acid rain formation
Most At-Risk Groups
- Asthma sufferers
- Children
- Outdoor workers
- COPD patients
13.
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
Formation
- Synthetic production
- Industrial manufacturing
- Equipment leakage
- Chemical processing
Sources
- Electrical equipment
- Semiconductor industry
- Magnesium production
- Circuit breakers
Health Impacts
- Potent greenhouse gas
- Climate change effects
- Indirect health impacts
- Long atmospheric lifetime
Most At-Risk Groups
- Global population
- Future generations
- Climate-vulnerable regions
- Industry workers