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Types & Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution is caused by a variety of activities and can cause harm to humans, plants and animals. While industrial smokestacks billow visible pollutants, there are many air pollutants that are equally hazardous and harmful to our bodies that aren't visible to us. Some harmful forms of air pollution, such as smoke from fires, are derived from natural sources.

  1. General Information

    • When considering air pollution that affects our health, most people think of outdoor sources. However, because of cooking, smoking and other activities that we do inside, indoor air pollution also affects our breathing and can cause health problems. Pollution can consist of particles released into the air or noxious gases. Smoke from burning diesel fuel is often referred to as "black carbon" pollution. Sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide are just two of the many gases that can cause the formation of smog and acid rain. Exhaust from burning fuels, charcoal and wood also contributes to air pollution. Three factors determine the amount of harm that is caused by air pollution. These factors are referred to as the three "T's" -- tonnage, time in the atmosphere and toxicity.

    Effects of Smog

    • One form of air pollution is smog, which is caused when pollution mixes with fog. Industrial production often results in the release of chemicals and soot into the atmosphere. Smog can cause a variety of health problems including respiratory diseases such as lung cancer as well as bronchitis, pneumonia and heart disease.

    Greenhouse Effect

    • Greenhouse effect refers to another type of air pollution formed by contamination of gas with oxygen. When greenhouse pollutants move upward in the air and eventually return to earth, they can destroy plants, crops and livestock. Ozone gas is just one of the six major types of gases that create the greenhouse effect and can create "holes" in the atmosphere. This type of air pollution can ultimately affect weather by burning layers of the earth's atmosphere that normally filter radiation and heat from the sun. Scientists believe that the greenhouse effect causes an increase of the earth's temperature by as much as 63 degrees.

    Industrial, Accidental and Other Types of Air Pollution

    • Industrial pollution can be caused by some blasts in the furnaces of manufacturing plants. This form of air pollution can also be caused by production of fertilizers and pesticides. Industrial waste is included in this category of air pollutants. Air pollution caused by natural phenomenon, such as forest fire fumes, is referred to as accidental pollution. Transportation pollution is a type of air pollution caused by vehicle and airplane exhaust fumes.

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