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)
Source for all definitions: Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
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Fuels Statistics 2023
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