The difference between them is how they are formed. Its also a major component of photochemical smog. What is secondary pollution? Tracey Holloway. "). Smog is formed by chemical reactions that involve sunlight, air, automobile exhaust, and ozone. A primary pollutant is emitted from a single source into the air, where it may contaminate natural habitats and concentrate exponentially over time. Examples of primary pollutants include sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and particulate matter (PM). High levels of nitrogen in the atmosphere also produce pollutants such as ammonia and ozone, which affect your ability to breathe. An example of secondary air pollution is photochemical smog. Complete answer: Photochemical Smog is formed in the atmosphere when the ultraviolet light coming from the sun reacts . They can harm your health and the environment, and cause property damage. What are the different types of air pollution? Pollutants are classified as primary or secondary. While nitrogen dioxide can be found in both smog and acid rain, its also dangerous on its own in the form of particulate matter. NOx for example is emitted from vehicles and power plants, yet it can also form in the atmosphere from other chemicals . Secondary Pollutants form in the atmosphere through chemical and photochemical reactions from the primary pollutants examples include: sulfuric acid H2SO4 can cause respiratory problems nitrogen dioxide NO 2 gives air a brownish coloration ozone O3 colorless gas has a sweet smell is an oxidizing agent - lung tissue to rubber products Secondary pollutants include ground-level ozone, acid rain and nutrient enrichment compounds. Claire is a writer and editor with 18 years' experience. . Secondary pollutants cause problems like photochemical smog. Examples of a secondary pollutant include ozone which is formed when hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine in the presence of sunlight NO2 which is formed as NO combines with oxygen in the air and acid rain which is formed when sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides react with water. What Are the 7 Different Types of Pollution? Examples are particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide. When it comes to pollutants, there are two different types: primary and secondary pollutants. What are some examples of each? Most of the air we breathe is made up of nitrogen, and both nitrogen and phosphorus occur naturally in aquatic ecosystems. Secondary pollutants, on the other hand, are not emitted directly. Additional examples of secondary air pollutants are nitric acid, sulfur trioxide, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, nitrates, sulfates, and other salts. Common Culprits and Effects, Examples of Secondary Pollutants and How Theyre Formed. Thats exactly what happens with secondary pollutants. [CDATA[/* >