What type of air pollutant can contribute to respiratory diseases?

Ozone is a significant air pollutant associated with various respiratory diseases. It is formed when sunlight interacts with pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). When inhaled, ozone can lead to a range of health effects, particularly for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. It irritates the airways in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and exacerbation of asthma attacks. Chronic exposure to elevated ozone levels has been linked to decreased lung function and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

In contrast, while carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, it is not directly linked to respiratory diseases. Water vapor is a natural component of the atmosphere that also does not have a direct impact on respiratory health in the same way as ozone. Nitrogen, primarily found in the atmosphere as N2, is non-toxic and does not influence respiratory health directly, although nitrogen oxides can be involved in forming secondary pollutants like ozone. Therefore, ozone stands out as the air pollutant that poses a specific and significant risk to respiratory health.