Mapping the Spatial Distribution of Criteria Air Pollutants in Peninsular Malaysia Using Geographical Information System (GIS)

Abstract

Air pollution is defined as the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances into the air which results in harmful effects of such nature as to endanger human health, harm living resources and ecosystems, cause material damage, interfere with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 1999). The air pollution sources is categorized according to form of emissions whether gaseous or particulates. Air pollution sources also can be distinguished by primary or secondary air pollutants. Primary air pollutants are in the atmosphere that exists in the same form as in source emissions, whereas, secondary air pollutants are pollutants formed in the atmosphere as a result of reactions such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and photochemical oxidation (David Liu & Liptak, 2000). World Health Organization (WHO) had been listed six “classic” air pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), lead, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulate matter (SPM) sulphur dioxide (SO2) and tropospheric ozone (O3) (World Health Organization [WHO], 1999).