Air pollution

Air pollution is when harmful things get into the air. These can be gases like ozone and nitrogen oxides, or tiny bits of material such as soot and dust. Both the air outside and the air inside buildings can become polluted.

Outdoor air pollution mainly comes from burning fossil fuels for power and transport, as well as from wildfires, some factory work, waste handling, demolition, and farming. Inside homes, pollution often comes from burning firewood or agricultural waste for cooking and heat. Other sources include dust storms and volcanic eruptions. Many of the same activities that pollute the air also release greenhouse gases that lead to global warming.

Air pollution can cause health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, asthma, and lung cancer. Tiny bits of pollution called particulate matter can be especially harmful. Pollution can also hurt plants and forests, leading to acid rain. Efforts to reduce air pollution include using clean cookers, better waste management, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Countries have made laws to improve air quality, such as the US Clean Air Act.