Air pollution is the introduction of harmful levels of pollutants into the atmosphere that causes harm to the environment.

These pollutants can either be gases or particles suspended in the air. An example of the gases is sulphur oxide, while an example of the particles are the particles that are produced from the burning of fuel. The combustion of gasoline and other hydrocarbon fuels in automobiles, trucks, and jet airplanes produces several primary pollutants: nitrogen oxides, gaseous hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, as well as large quantities of particulates, chiefly lead.Nitrogen oxides also react with oxygen in the air to form nitrogen dioxide, a foul-smelling brown gas. In urban areas where transportation is the main cause of air pollution, nitrogen dioxide tints the air, blending with other contaminants and the atmospheric water vapor to produce brown smog. In cities, air may be severely polluted not only by transportation but also by the burning of fossil fuels (oil and coal) in generating stations, factories, office buildings, and homes and by the incineration of garbage. Every industrial process exhibits its own pattern of air pollution. Petroleum refineries are responsible for extensive hydrocarbon and particulate pollution. Iron and steel mills, metal smelters, pulp and paper mills, chemical plants, cement and asphalt plantsall discharge vast amounts of various particulates. Uninsulated high-voltage power lines ionize the adjacent air, forming ozone and other hazardous pollutants. Airborne pollutants from other sources include insecticides, herbicides, radioactive fallout, and dust from fertilizers, mining operations, and livestock feedlots. Air pollution is the introduction of harmful levels of pollutants into the atmosphere that causes harm to the environment. It occurs when the air contains gasses, dust, fumes or odor in harmful amounts. These pollutants can either be gases or particles suspended in the air. An example of the gases is sulphur oxide, while an example of the particles are the particles that are produced from the burning of fuel. Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases, which can be fatal.Some air pollutants are poisonous. Inhaling them can increase the chance you'll have health problems. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from air pollution. Air pollution isn't just outside - the air inside buildings can also be polluted and affect your health.

Sources: http://www.who.int/topics/air_pollution/en/ http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/air/aq4kids/pollution.asp http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/airpollution.html