Minimising the impact of Pollutants on people and the environment is essential for future generations.
The types of pollutants and their dangers that G2 Data Systems commonly monitors and alerts against is shown below
Sulphur Dioxide
Nitric Oxide
Nitrogen Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Dioxide
Hydrogen Chloride
Airborne Particulate Matter (PM)
Mercury
Benzene
Formaldehyde
Sulphur Dioxide
Sulphur dioxide is a significant contributor to acid rain and is also associated with increased respiratory symptoms and disease and difficulty in breathing. In working environments, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists reduced the short-term exposure limit to 5 parts per million due its associated dangers.
In the atmosphere, its smell is described as a pungent rotting smell.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is a by-product generated from combustion of substances in the air and is associated with fossil fuel power plants. Once in the air, Nitric oxide can convert to nitric acid which in turn contributes to acid rain.
Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is a toxic gas which is reddish brown and has a sharp cutting odour.
Prominent in air pollution, small levels can cause sickness and irritate soft tissue such as a person’s eyes and nose. Fluid can also form in the lungs causing shortness of breath.
Breathing in high levels can result in rapid, burning spasms, swelling to the throat, reduced oxygen intake, a significant build-up of fluids in lungs which can lead to death.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is particularly dangerous because it has no taste, smell or colour.
Carbon monoxide results from the exhaust generated by internal combustion engines and also via incomplete combustion from burning other fuels such as wood, coal, charcoal, oil, paraffin, propane, natural gas and refuse.
In high concentrations, it is toxic to humans causing symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, tiredness, confusion and difficulty breathing.
In high concentrations, it is toxic to humans causing symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, tiredness, confusion and difficulty breathing.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and is therefore one of the factors responsible for global climate change.
Exposure to carbon dioxide concentrations of around 10% can cause dizziness, headaches, loss of consciousness and eventually suffocation.
The energy, cement and transportation industries are responsible for the majority of global CO2 emissions.
Hydrogen Chloride
Hydrogen chloride gas is highly corrosive and will damage metal structures and buildings when released to the atmosphere in high enough concentrations.
When exposed to water including water found in body tissue Hydrogen chloride becomes a strong acid called hydrochloric acid.
Human exposure to hydrochloric acid can lead to irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract which in extreme cases can cause fluid on the lungs resulting in cardiovascular failure and death.
Airborne Particulate Matter (PM)
In emissions monitoring, airborne particulate matter covers a wide range of pollutants including Heavy dust, flue ash, cement dust, oil smoke, smog, soot, etc
Industrial processes, power plants and the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles is a significant contributor of airborne particulate matter.
Issues associated with airborne particulate matter include serious health problems with lung and the cardiovascular systems.
Mercury
Mercury is a heavy metal and remains in a liquid form when just above room temperature. Mercury emissions are a by-product of a number of industries including power plants, combustion plants,
gold production, smelters, cement production, waste disposal, crematoria and steel production.
It is extremely toxic and can be absorbed through the skin and mercury vapours can be inhaled.
Problems associated with exposure to mercury include high blood pressure, loss of hair and teeth, light sensitivity, fatigue, insomnia and muscle spasms
Benzene
Benzene is very flammable and is a natural component of crude oil. Benzene is primarily used in the chemical industry to produce chemicals used to manufacture plastics, adhesives, nylon, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, explosives, and pesticides.
Exposure can result in damage to the immune system, higher risk of cancer, headaches and loss of consciousness.
Formaldehyde
Materials originating from formaldehyde are used within the manufacture of automobiles, paints, foam and adhesives.
Formaldehyde is extremely toxic and can result in headaches, injury to the digestive system, asthmatic symptoms and even death when ingested.