The main waste product of fuel we burn is carbon dioxide, which is thought to have been the main factor in the gradual rise of global temperatures

Carbon Monoxide:

Carbon monoxide forms during incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It is extremely hazardous as things such as gas central heating boilers which are badly maintained can leak the gas causing carbon monoxide poisoning which would result in death. Carbon monoxide reacts irreversibly with haemoglobin. In red blood cells haemoglobin normally reacts with oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin, which is then transported from our lungs to all our body cells. When carbon monoxide is breathed in it combines with haemoglobin to form carboxyhaemoglobin where the oxygen is not released from the haemoglobin therefore causing a lack of oxygen which can result in death.

The solutions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning are to give the odorless gas a distinct smell so that people can smell when there are gas leaks in their appliances. Another solution is to install carbon monoxide detectors which act in the same way as fire alarms and give off a signal when they detect carbon monoxide. There are other precautions which can be taken such as maintaining your appliance so that it is in good working order and do not run your car in an enclosed space.

Nitrogen Dioxide:

Nitrogen dioxide is a product in kerosene heaters, un-vented gas stoves and heaters. NO2 acts mainly as an irritant affecting the mucosa of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Extremely high-dose exposure (as in a building fire) to NO2 may result in pulmonary edema and diffuse lung injury. Continued exposure to high NO2 levels can contribute to the development of acute or chronic bronchitis. Low level NO2 exposure may cause increased bronchial reactivity in some asthmatics, decreased lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and increased risk of respiratory infections, especially in young children.

The solutions to the problems created by nitrogen dioxide are as follows:

• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
• Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an un-vented one.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
• Do not idle the car inside garage.

Sulphur Dioxide:

Sulphur dioxide it normally a bi-product in such places as smelters and utilities, especially electrical generation. Other industrial sources include iron and steel mills, petroleum refineries, and pulp and paper mills. Small sources include residential, commercial and industrial space heating. Health effects caused by exposure to high levels of SO2 include breathing problems, respiratory illness, changes in the lung's defences, and worsening respiratory and cardiovascular disease. People with asthma or chronic lung or heart disease are the most sensitive to SO2. It also damages trees and crops. SO2, along with nitrogen oxides, are the main precursors of acid rain. This contributes to the acidification of lakes and streams, accelerated corrosion of buildings and reduced visibility. SO2 also causes formation of microscopic acid aerosols, which have serious health implications as well as contributing to climate change.

There are many possible solutions to the acid rain problem. One is to use fuels that burn more cleanly. Another solution is to burn coal more efficiently. Power plant and factory chimneys can be fitted with scrubbers that release 90-95% sulfur free smoke and also produces sludge from which gypsum, a building material, can be produced. This problem can also be solved by enforcing tight emission standards on vehicles that burn gas and diesel. One other solution is fitting devices such as a catalytic converter into car exhaust pipes to minimize the amount of sulfur dioxide in car exhaust.