3d. Criteria Air Pollutants
The Clean Air Act has classified six pollutants as criteria air pollutants. These six are shown by science to have negative effects on health and the environment.
Criteria Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide
Sulfur Oxides (SOX)
Particulate Matter
Ground Level Ozone
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Lead
In the coal industry, the criteria pollutants found in power plant emissions are sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Mercury is also controlled even though it is not considered a criteria pollutant. Continue to the next topic to learn more about each of the different criteria pollutants.