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GCSE Chemistry · key term
A substance that causes damage to the environment or harms living organisms when released into air, water or land.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.9.3.2 · Paper 2
Revise: Effects of PollutantsAn atmospheric pollutant is a substance in the air that causes harm. The effect depends on the pollutant: some are poisonous gases, some contribute to acidic rain, and some are tiny solid particles. As their amounts in the air increase, the risks to people and the environment increase.
Specification 8.13 · Paper 2
A substance introduced into the environment that can cause harm to living organisms or the surroundings.
Link each pollutant to its specific effects: carbon monoxide → toxicity; sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides → respiratory problems and acid rain; particulates → health problems and global dimming.
Do not confuse oxides of nitrogen with carbon monoxide or sulfur dioxide: these pollutants are formed in different ways.
Link each pollutant to the correct condition or substance: limited oxygen → carbon monoxide and particulates; sulfur impurity in the fuel → sulfur dioxide; very high temperature → oxides of nitrogen from the air.
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Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
A harmful substance released into the environment, often as a result of human activity.
Revise: Pollutants from combustionThese lead to different pollutants, so it is important not to treat every pollutant as if it comes directly from the fuel.