The common component of air pollution is particulate matter (PM). This is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets.
The major components of PM are sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, dust particles and water. PM comes from dust , soot, smoke, industry and vehicle exhaust as well as complex chemical reactions with other pollutants.
Burning of fossil fuels produces sulphur dioxide . It is a colorless gas that pollutes the air and can cause health problems affecting the respiratory system.