Health effects:

Below is a list of known health effects caused by criteria air pollutants.

Ozone:
Ozone is a highly reactive gas and causes impaired lung function both in people with impaired lung function such as asthmatics as well as in healthy children and adults. Respiratory inflammation may occur, especially during exercise. Symptoms include, sneezing, coughing and chest pain.

Carbon Monoxide:
Carbon Monoxide is invisible and odorless to humans. Inhalation of carbon monoxide causes increased CO levels in the bloodstream and particularly effects people with cardiovascular diseases. Increased CO levels in the blood lead to decreased concentration, visual perception, learning ability and ability to perform physically.

Nitrogen Dioxide:
Nitrogen dioxide causes irritation of pulmonary tissue and can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia.

Sulfur Dioxide:
Sulfur dioxide impairs lung and cardiovascular activities. It can affect breathing and may lead to the aggravation of existing diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

Particulate Matter:
Can result in damage of the lung tissue, premature death, and carcinogenesis.