OVERVIEW
Air pollution can be contaminants that exist as a gas mixed with the air or that are attached to or make up particles suspended in the air.
How did it get there?
Air pollution results when gases or particles containing hazardous
substances are released to the air. There are many sources of air pollution
including, emissions from smokestacks and landfills, explosions and fires,
automobile exhaust, factory equipment leaks, and commercial products, such
as paints or household cleaners. Liquid hazardous substances can cause air
pollution when they are exposed to air and evaporate. Contaminants in
surface soil can contribute to air pollution if the soil becomes airborne in
the wind.
How does it hurt animals, plants and humans?
Air pollution can hurt animals and humans when they inhale contaminated air.
It can cause respiratory problems as well as other health effects if
contaminants are absorbed from the lungs into other parts of the body.
Certain air contaminants can hurt animals and humans when they contact the
skin. Plants rely on respiration for their growth and can also be hurt by
exposure to contaminants in the air.
How can we clean it up?
The most effective approach for cleaning up air pollution is to prevent
contaminants from being emitted at dangerous levels. Air pollution can be
prevented by lowering emissions levels from automobiles and trucks and
switching to more environmentally friendly commercial products. Factories
that produce hazardous air pollution can install "scrubbers" or other
devices on their smokestacks to remove contaminants before they enter the
air outside the plant.
