Question

Which of the following are not air pollutants?
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Nitrogen dioxide
C. Sulphur dioxide
D. None of above

Answer 1

Hint: Air pollutants cause air pollution. Air pollutants are the harmful substances present in the atmosphere that damages the ecological system. There are different and various types of air pollutants, such as gases, biological molecules and particulates. The few examples of air pollutants are ozone $\left({\text{O}}_3\right)$, chlorofluorocarbons $\left(\text{CFCs}\right)$, ammonia $\left(\text{N}{\text{H}}_3\right)$, any many more.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us discuss the options one-by-one to see which is air pollutant:
A. Carbon monoxide: The formula of carbon monoxide is $\text{CO}$. This gas is odourless, tasteless and colourless and toxic in nature. This toxicity makes this gas an air pollutant. It is produced by the incomplete burning of hydrocarbons and fuels like oil, coal, natural gas. The major and biggest source of carbon monoxide is emissions from vehicles. The emission of this gas causes global warming in our environment.
B. Nitrogen dioxide: The formula of nitrogen dioxide is $\text{N}{\text{O}}_2$. Nitrogen dioxide is a gaseous air pollutant. It is produced by combustion of fossil fuels. The presence of nitrogen dioxide in air leads to the formation of other air pollutants, like ozone and particulate matter which in turn leads to acid rain. This gas is also the primary pollutant.
C. Sulphur dioxide: The formula of sulphur dioxide is $\text{S}{\text{O}}_2$. Sulphur dioxide is a part of a group of gaseous air pollutants. The major source of sulphur dioxide is burning of oil and coal in power plants. Sulphur dioxide also affects the environment by forming acidic substances in the air, which falls off on the ground as acid rain.

All the gases are air pollutants, so the correct option is option ‘d’. None of the above.

Additional Information: Effects of air pollution are
(1) The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides in the air. Water droplets combine with these pollutants to become acidic, which then fall as acid rain. This damages human, animal and plant life.
(2) The air pollutants suspend on the water bodies and affect aquatic life. This forces the animals to leave their habitat and shift to a new place. This leads to the extinction of a large number of animal species.

Note: The increasing air pollution is not good for the health of humans. So, to control air pollution, a few ways which we can follow are
(1) Substitution of fuel is another way of controlling air pollution. Petrol and Diesel can be replaced by CNG or Compressed Natural Gas in fueling the vehicles.
(2) People should avoid using private vehicles for shorter distances. They should prefer public transports or walking to go. This not only prevents pollution but also conserves energy.
(3) As industrial emissions are the major causes of air pollution. The pollutants can be treated at the source itself to reduce its effects.