What are the pollutants formed by VOCs and NOx under sunlight?
Sunlight acting on nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds generates photochemical oxidants. Nitrogen dioxide photolysis creates ozone, while VOC-derived radicals support ozone accumulation and form aldehydes and peroxyacyl nitrates. These secondary pollutants irritate eyes and lungs and injure vegetation. They differ from greenhouse gases as a functional class, from acids formed by sulfur and nitrogen oxidation, and from elemental heavy metals. At organismal level, respiratory surfaces are especially exposed because large volumes of air contact thin, moist epithelia designed for rapid
Ref: Campbell Biology, Urry et al., 12th Ed., Unit 8 Ecology