Harmful effects of burning fuels
Harmful effects of burning fuels 1. Burning of coal and oil causes the release of atmospheric pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. These gases readily form smog that pollutes the air. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Another environmental issue associated with the use of oil is the impact of oil drilling. Most of the oil wells lie under the ocean. Oil spill accidents are a major threat to the marine organisms and birds. 2. Carbon-containing fuels like wood and coal release unburnt carbon particles which form soot and are responsible for causing respiratory diseases like asthma. During incomplete combustion, the unburnt carbon not only causes wastage of the fuel but also pollutes the atmosphere by producing highly poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide causes respiratory problems and may even prove fatal. 3. The sulphur contained in coal fo...