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over the entire valley for several weeks and air movement is virtually absent. Under these circumstances, air pollution involves mainly primary pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitric oxide and suspended particulate matter) due to fog and low clouds blocking the sunlight necessary to produce photochemical oxidants (see Air Quality Standards , page 29). It has been identified that of the various air pollutants occurring in the Central Valley, oxidants (mostly ozone) present the most immediate problem. Other pollutants such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and oxides of sulfur are, on the average, safely within standards; however, carbon monoxide "hot spots" occur in localized areas within the valley region. HEALTH EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION The major pollutants of concern from a health standpoint are oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter. . Exposure to these air pollutants can result in a variety of health problems, ranging from physical discomfort to illness and in some cases even death. While air pollution affects everyone, the young and elderly are particularly susceptible to its effects. Those persons suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular disease are also extremely vulnerable. Certain oxides of nitrogen are highly toxic. Exposure to high levels can kill , while lower levels can affect the delicate structure of lung tissue. Long-term exposure has led to lung disease in experimental animals which resembles emphysema in man. Oxides of nitrogen have also been shown to lower the body's resistance to such diseases as pneumonia and influenza. Oxidant can constrict breathing and aggravate respiratory illness, such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. It can also aggravate chronic heart and lung disorders and some anemias. Oxidants in concentrations found regularly in parts of the state can also harm normal healthy adults. The effects often include nausea, headaches, eye irritation, dizziness, throat pain, breathing difficulty and coughing. The health effects caused by combined concentration of certain sulfur oxides and oxidant are more severe than those caused by greater concentrations of either pollutant alone. While hydrocarbons have no known adverse health effects by themselves, their role in the formation of oxidants warrants concern. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas which passes through the lungs directly into the bloodstream. Here it interferes with the transfer of fresh oxygen to the blood, depriving sensitive tissues , primarily the heart and brain, of oxygen. The effects of carbon monoxide depend upon the concentration and length of exposure. At low and intermediate concentrations, effects include drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, headache, changes in heart function and impairment of vision and reaction times. At high concentrations, carbon monoxide can be lethal . 38