Air is made up of nitrogen (N) 78%, oxygen (O) 21%, nearly 1% is all argon , the remainder is carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) 0.02% and other rare gases make up 0.08%. Air is transparent and has (density) body. It has weight and takes up space. Air possesses physical qualities which makes air matter.
Air is essential for life on earth to exist. Nitrogen and oxygen, each provide a different ingredient for the existence of life. Nitrogen is the essential in the formation of amino acids, the main ingredient of protein molecules. All living things are made up of amino acids. The nitrogen in the air must be converted to compounds that can then be used by living things to help make amino acids. Nitrogen (N) gas in the air is converted into nitrogen compound through the nitrogen cycle.
Oxygen is an extremely active gas, it is readily transferable for use by organisms. Almost all living things need oxygen to exist. The exception is anaerobic bacteria, bacteria that can function without oxygen. Oxygen is added to the air through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make their food.
There are four types of gases in the air that are of major concern to public health issues. Carbon based gases are found naturally in the air, man adds by burning fossil fuel, (coal, oil, and natural gas). With increased incidence it upsets the temperature balance of earth and adds to the greenhouse effect. Carbon gases are colorless, odorless and tasteless. They cut off the oxygen supply to the brain when its added to hemoglobin. Sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) is colorless, tasteless, foul-smelling, and it's heavier than air. It occurs naturally, from volcanoes, and the decomposition of organic materials in swamps. When sulfur dioxide is combined with water vapors it forms sulfurous acid (H2 SO3 ) a component of acid rain. Ozone (O3) is a form of oxygen. This form of oxygen is a very harsh irritant to the lungs, and dangerous for people with lung disorders. Nitric oxide and nitrogen are produced by the incomplete combustion of gasoline. They combine with oxygen and, in the presence of light energy and hydrocarbons, form PAN, or peroxyacetyl nitrate.