What is Pollutant?
'''Pollutants''' are compounds which are [[wikt:dangerous|dangerous]] to the [[environment]]. They can also be harmful to [[human]]s in the long-term range. They come from [[mineral]] and [[fossil]] sources or are produced by humans themselves. Many pollutants have a [[poison]]ous effect on the body. [[Carbon monoxide]] is an example of a substance which is damaging to humans. This compound is taken up in the body instead of [[oxygen]]. That makes the body [[wikt:suffocate|suffocate]] and in severe cases may lead to death. Some pollutants became dangerous by reaction with other naturally occurring compounds. The oxides of [[nitrogen]] and [[sulphur]] are released from impurities in [[fossil fuel]]s when they are burnt. They react with [[water vapour]] in the atmosphere to become [[acid rain]]. Acid rain damages buildings and makes [[lake]]s unable to support [[Ocean|marine]] life, which causes [[fish]] and water [[plant]]s to [[death|die]]. ==Related pages== *[[Pollution]] *[[Poison]] *[[Fertilizer]] == Other websites == {{Wiktionary}} * [http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry] * [http://www.webster.com/dictionary/pollutes Miriam-Webster definition of pollutes]{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} {{science-stub}} [[Category:Pollution]]