What Are Causes of Outdoor Air Pollution?

Air pollution is comprised of chemicals, particulates or biological material that harms living beings and damages the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, air pollution is made of small particles and ozone, from sources such as cars, factories, smoke and road dust. Inhaling these pollutants can cause various health problems, including lung aggravation, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. It may also worsen respiratory ailments such as asthma.

Natural Sources

• Natural sources of outdoor air pollution include emissions from forest fires, volcano eruptions, pollen dispersal, evaporation of organic compounds and natural radioactivity. Natural sources are ever present and are less of a threat than man-made sources because they are spread around the world. Most pollution is a result of man-made activity.

Man-made Sources

• Various man-made causes of air pollution include burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, and ground-level ozone precursors. Pollutants released from burning these fuels include nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The pollution results from chemical factors present when the fuels combust. Other man-made sources include smokestack emissions from factories and power plants.

Air Pollution Reduction

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you may take several personal actions to reduce air pollution. Take public transportation, ride a bicycle and defer mowing the lawn until late evening. Participate in a recycling program. Plant deciduous trees in your neighborhood. Buy low-polluting applicances, vehicles and lighting.