Pollution - National Geographic Society
WebMar 6, 2024 · Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land.
Pollution | Definition, History, Types, & Facts | Britannica
WebMar 30, 2024 · Pollution, addition of any substance or form of energy to the environment at a rate faster than it can be dispersed or stored in a harmless form. The major kinds of pollution are usually classified by environment and include air, water, and land pollution. Learn more about the history of pollution.
Air Pollution - National Geographic Society
WebMar 6, 2024 · Air pollution consists of chemicals or particles in the air that can harm the health of humans, animals, and plants. It also damages buildings. Pollutants in the air take many forms. They can be gases, solid particles, or liquid droplets. Sources of Air Pollution Pollution enters the Earth's atmosphere in many different ways.
Pollution - Wikipedia
WebPollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or energy (such as radioactivity, heat, sound, or light). Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants.
Air Pollution Facts, Causes and the Effects of Pollutants in the Air
WebOct 31, 2023 · What is air pollution? Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air—pollutants that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a...
Air Pollution - Our World in Data
WebAir pollution is one of the world's largest health and environmental problems. It develops in two contexts: indoor (household) air pollution and outdoor air pollution. In this topic page, we look at the aggregate picture of air pollution – both indoor and outdoor.
Air Pollution and Your Health - National Institute of …
WebApr 2, 2024 · Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Vehicle emissions, fuel oils and natural gas to heat homes, by-products of manufacturing and power generation, particularly coal-fueled power plants, and fumes from chemical production are the primary sources of human-made air pollution.
How air pollution is destroying our health - World Health …
WebOct 29, 2018 · Household air pollution is one of the world’s single biggest environmental health risk, and a significant source of climate-warming pollution. To achieve SDG 7 targets for universal access to modern energy, 3 billion people must gain access to clean cooking solutions, and 1 billion must gain access to electricity, by 2030.
Air pollution | Effects, Causes, Definition, & Facts | Britannica
Web5 days ago · Air pollution, release into the atmosphere of various gases, finely divided solids, or finely dispersed liquid aerosols at rates that exceed the natural capacity of the environment to dissipate and dilute or absorb them. High concentrations can cause undesirable health, economic, or aesthetic effects.
Air pollution - World Health Organization (WHO)
WebSep 5, 2023 · Spotlight. Air pollution and health video series. Air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year. WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. WHO is working with countries to monitor air pollution and improve air quality.
Skip to content