Carbon Monoxide (CO): arises from incomplete fuel combustion. CO emissions are of concern due to their effects on human health, specifically leading to decreased uptake of oxygen by lungs, and its role in tropospheric ozone formation. Residential sector combustion, road transport, and industry are major sources of CO. Nitrogen Oxide (NO x ): of concern due to their effects on human health, specifically causing lung irritation and lowering resistance of pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. In the presence of sunlight, NO x reacts to produce photochemical smog, and if hydrocarbons are present, can react to produce ozone. Almost 97% of all NO x is emitted during fuel combustion, making transport, energy production, and industry the primary sources of NO x . Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compound (NMVOC): a wide variation of organic compounds, the majority of which display similar behaviour in the atmosphere. Some NMVOCs have direct impacts on human health. NMVOCs are emitted as combustion products, as vapour arising from petrol and solvent use, and from various other sources. Industry, fossil fuel extraction and distribution, and agricultures are the major sources of NMVOCs. Ozone (O 3 ): Ozone is not emitted directly but is formed in the atmosphere of a large spatial scale by the sunlight-initiated oxidation of VOCs and CO in the presence of NO x . Ozone is detrimental to human health. Particulate Matter (PM 10 ): particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10µm. The physical and chemical composition, source, and size of airborne particulate matter varies widely. Concentrations of particles in the atmosphere is linked with human health effects and plays a role in the forming of winter-time smog. The PM 10 standard was designed to identify those particles likely to be inhaled by humans. Road transport, especially diesel-propulsion vehicles, and industry, especially construction and quarrying, are major sources of PM 10 . Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 ): Along with PM 10 plays a role in the forming of winter-time smog. SO 2 emissions have human health effects, notably causing irritation of the nose and throat, leading to the narrowing of airways. Asthma-sufferers are especially susceptible to SO 2 concentrations. Fuel combustion accounts for 94% of SO 2 emissions in the UK and originate from fuels’ sulphur content. (DEFRA 2016)
63 | Statistical Review | 2022
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