Everyday, the average person inhales 20,000 liters of air, some of it containing dangerous chemicals that have found their way into the air. Air pollutants include all of the contaminants found in the atmosphere. They are either in the form of gases or particles. Air pollution can be found both indoors as well as outdoors. Pollutants can be trapped inside buildings, causing indoor pollution that lasts for a very long time.
The sources of air pollution come from two things which are humans and nature. Humans have been producing increased amounts of pollution as time has progressed, and now account for the majority of pollutants released into the air. Air pollution is not a new problem. As a matter of fact, it is a problem that has been brought to the attention of many for a long time. Even in ancient Rome, people complained about smoke being put into the atmosphere.
Air pollution has numerous effects, including serious consequences for the health of human beings, and also severely affects natural ecosystems. Since air pollution is located in the atmosphere, it is able to travel easily. As a result, it is a global problem and has been the subject of global cooperation and conflict. Some areas now suffer more than others from air pollution. Cities with large numbers of automobiles or those that use great quantities of coal often suffer most severely from problems of air pollution.
Air pollution is made up of solid particles and chemicals. Natural processes that affect the atmosphere include volcanoes, biological decay, and dust storms. Plants, trees, and grass release (VOCs) violatile organic compounds, such as methane into the air. The largest source of human-made pollution is the burning of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, in our homes, factories, and cars.