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Primary Pollutants

Definition

Primary pollutants are harmful substances that are directly emitted into the environment from human activities or natural sources. They can have immediate negative effects on air quality and human health.

Analogy

Think of primary pollutants as the main ingredients in a recipe for pollution. Just like how adding too much salt to a dish can ruin its taste, excessive primary pollutants can degrade the quality of our environment.

Related terms

Secondary Pollutants: Secondary pollutants are harmful substances that form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants and other atmospheric components. They contribute to air pollution indirectly.

NOx (Nitrogen Oxides): NOx refers to a group of gases composed mainly of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO). They are primary pollutants released from burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, and industrial processes.

Particulate Matter: Particulate matter consists of tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. It includes dust, soot, smoke, and aerosols. These particles can be both primary and secondary pollutants depending on their source.