Carbon Monoxide (CO)
An odorless, colorless gas, inhalation of carbon monoxide blocks the blood's ability to carry oxygen। Due to its chemical structure, it can easily attach to hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells. With CO in our bodies, our organs are essentially poisoned as oxygen fails to reach them. Higher levels of poisoning result in dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea, and fainting on mild exertion.
Particulate Matter (PM) Miniscule pieces of soot, pollen, and metals are what give smog a cloudy color. The smaller the pieces of soot, the more damaging they can be. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and eventually be absorbed into the bloodstream where they can remain for long periods of time. Exposure to particulate matter can cause asthma attacks, wheezing, and coughing. Research has also shown that exposure to low concentrations of particulate matter can lead to premature death with the elderly and people with pre-existing heart disease at greatest risk.