Which pollutants in flue gas can harm the lungs and reduce visibility?

In the context of flue gas treatment, several pollutants are known to harm the respiratory system and reduce visibility:

• Particulate matter: These small fragments of solid or liquid material can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing significant health complications. When released into the atmosphere, these particles also reduce visibility.12
• Sulfur dioxide ($S{O}_2$): This gas can aggravate respiratory illnesses and harm lung tissue when inhaled. Furthermore, it contributes to reduced visibility in the atmosphere and plays a role in the formation of acid rain.23
• Nitrogen oxides ($N{O}_x$): These pollutants can irritate the lungs and contribute to the formation of smog, which also impacts air quality and visibility.2

Effectively managing these emissions is a critical ethical responsibility, as failing to control them poses direct risks to public health and environmental integrity. Industrial facilities often employ technologies such as electrostatic precipitators and scrubbers to mitigate these harmful effects.2