I got into an argument earlier featuring: "smog is made up by you liberals...!" ...and then he went into global warming being a hoax.
It seems like there's some confusion about the different types of air pollutants in the world. Here's some clarification.
1. "Criteria Air Pollutants" There are 6 pollutants listed by the EPA that are detrimental to human health when they hit a certain concentration. These include Ozone, Nitrous Oxides, Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, and Particulate Matter.
These are proven to be detrimental to human health. These pollutants have led to emphysema, asthma, and heart disease. Controls to reduce these pollutants have a lot to do with human health and almost nothing to do with global warming/climate change.
2. "Hazardous (Toxic) Air Pollutants" These are pollutants like mercury, chlorine gas, etc. that are poisonous in any amount.
These are proven to be Very detrimental to human health. These pollutants have led to cancer and even death.
3. "Greenhouse Gasses" These are gasses that are not poisonous to humans in small amounts, but *may* lead to global warming/climate change. These gasses include methane, CO2, and water vapor. Feel free to argue about this because the jury is still out.
Thank you
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