Coa l and petroleum are the fossil fuels. They are burnt to get energy. Combustion of fossil fuels produces (i) suspended particles (ii) sulphur oxides, (iii) nitrogen oxides, (iv) carbon dioxide, (v) carbon monoxide, (vi) vapour of hydrocarbons. All these are air pollutants. Hydrocarbos acts as a source of cancer. Along with nitrogen oxides, they produce ozone and smong. Sulphur and nitrogen oxides give rise to acid rain. They are also irritatants and damage eyes and nasal tract.
