Carbon monoxide and sulfur oxide are considered primary pollutants.

These pollutants undergo chemical changes and cause secondary effects such as smog. Air pollution is defined by the existence and integration of toxic compounds in the atmosphere in concentrations high enough to cause harm to humans, animals and the Earth's environment.

Cause

Burning fossil fuels emits carbon monoxide and sulfur oxide. Automobiles, buses, planes and any form of gas-fueled transportation emit carbon monoxide gases through exhaust systems. Sulfur dioxide is created through the burning of coal, and is associated with industrial waste. Manufacturing processes use coal for fuel, releasing sulfur dioxide into the air through the factory exhaust systems.