Effect of Gaseous Pollutants on Humans
 
  Pollutants Health effects
 
1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) from gasoline cars, 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers Fatal in large does; aggrivates heart disorders; effects central nervous system; impairs oxygen carrying capacity of blood
2 Nitrogen oxides (Nox) from diesel vehicles Irritation of respiratory tract
3 Ozone Eye, nose and throat irritation; risk asthmatics, children and those involved in heavy exercise
4 Lead (from petrol vehicles) Extremely toxic : effects nervous system and blood; can impair mental development of children; causes hypertension
5 Hydrocarbons (HC) mainly from 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers Drowsiness , eye irritation, coughing
6 Benzene Carcinogenic
7 Aldehydes Irritation of eyes, nose and throat, sneezing, coughing, nausea, breathing difficulties; carcinogenic in animals
8 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from diesel vehicles Carcinogenic
 

Source: State of the Environment Report: 1999, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, New Delhi.