Pollutants
This colorless, odorless gas is a product of incomplete combustion.
carbon monoxide
This type of human activity is the largest source of air pollution worldwide.
burning fossil fuels
This happens when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides mix with water in the atmosphere.
acid rain
This U.S. law limits air pollution from factories and cars.
Clean Air Act
This gas is the most common greenhouse gas from human activity.
carbon dioxide
This pollutant comes from car exhaust and leads to smog.
nitrogen oxides
This type of vehicle emission is a major source of NOx and CO.
car exhaust
This layer in the atmosphere is harmed by CFCs.
ozone layer
These devices on cars reduce NOx and CO emissions.
catalytic converters
This gas is released from landfills and livestock.
methane
This is the main pollutant that causes acid rain.
sulfur dioxide
Power plants that burn this fuel release SO₂.
coal
Breathing polluted air can lead to this chronic disease.
asthma (or respiratory illness)
Power plants use these systems to trap particulates before they reach the air.
scrubbers (or electrostatic precipitators)
This gas is released from nitrogen fertilizers and is a powerful greenhouse gas.
nitrous oxide (N₂O)
These particles can cause lung damage and come from burning fossil fuels.
particulate matter
Indoor air pollution can come from burning this for cooking in poorly ventilated homes.
biomass
Smog can reduce this, making it harder to see long distances.
visibility
These global agreements reduced the use of CFCs.
Montreal Protocol
These gases used in refrigeration are thousands of times more powerful than CO₂.
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
This pollutant forms when VOCs and NOx react in sunlight.
ground-level ozone
This chemical used in dry cleaning and industry can pollute the air.
volatile organic compound
Acid rain can damage this part of an ecosystem, killing trees and fish.
soils and waterways
This approach includes walking, biking, and public transport to reduce air pollution.
sustainable transportation
This natural process is enhanced by greenhouse gases and leads to global warming.
greenhouse effect