AIR POLLUTION
is the human introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damages the environment.[1]
Most air pollution comes from one human activity: burning fossil fuels—natural gas, coal, and oil—to power industrial processes and motor vehicles.
Among the harmful chemical compounds this burning puts into the atmosphere are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and tiny solid particles—including lead from gasoline additives—called particulates.
The greatest source of emissions is mobile sources, mainly automobiles.[2]
The average adult breathes about 3,400 gallons of air per day!!
The atmosphere is a complex, dynamic natural gaseous system that is essential to support life on planet Earth.
Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth's ecosystems.
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[1] Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
[2] National Research Council: Committee on Air Quality Management in the United States, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, Division on Earth and Life Studies (2004). Air Quality Management in the United States. National Academies Press. ISBN 0-309-08932-8.
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