There are several air pollutants that can cause respiratory problems in humans. Some of the most common chemical compounds present in these air pollutants include:1. Particulate Matter PM : These are tiny particles suspended in the air, which can be composed of various compounds such as nitrates, sulfates, organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. PM10 particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less and PM2.5 particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less are particularly harmful as they can penetrate deep into the lungs.2. Ozone O3 : Ozone is a highly reactive gas formed by the reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides NOx and volatile organic compounds VOCs in the atmosphere.3. Nitrogen Dioxide NO2 : NO2 is a reddish-brown gas produced by the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes. It is a major component of smog and can cause respiratory problems.4. Sulfur Dioxide SO2 : SO2 is a colorless gas with a strong, suffocating odor. It is produced by the burning of fossil fuels containing sulfur, such as coal and oil, and by industrial processes like metal smelting.5. Carbon Monoxide CO : CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, and wood.Upon inhaling these pollutants, several chemical reactions and processes occur in the human body, leading to respiratory problems:1. Particulate Matter: When PM is inhaled, it can cause inflammation and irritation in the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to PM can lead to chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, and even lung cancer.2. Ozone: Ozone reacts with the lining of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and irritation. This can lead to coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to ozone can cause permanent lung damage and reduce lung function.3. Nitrogen Dioxide: NO2 can cause inflammation and irritation in the lungs, leading to bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory problems. It can also react with other chemicals in the atmosphere to form particulate matter and ozone.4. Sulfur Dioxide: SO2 can react with water in the respiratory tract to form sulfurous acid H2SO3 , which can cause irritation and inflammation in the lungs. This can lead to bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory problems.5. Carbon Monoxide: CO binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming carboxyhemoglobin COHb , which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. This can lead to hypoxia low oxygen levels in tissues, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and even death in severe cases.In summary, the chemical compounds present in air pollutants, such as particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, can cause respiratory problems in humans by inducing inflammation, irritation, and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the body.