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Delvondra Hamilton
Galen University
April 11th 2008
ESCI213
Air Pollution

Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the air by impurities. Pollution can affect humans, plants and also the environment. Impurities also known as pollutants can occur naturally or can occur as a result of human activities. Natural pollutants include: dust, pollen, smoke from forest fires, and gases from decaying organism. But nevertheless, human activities are the leading main cause of air pollution. Pollutants are classified as either primary or secondary. They are considered primary pollutants, because they come directly from various sources, and secondary which are by-products of chemical interactions of the primary pollutants within the atmosphere.
The most effective pollutants include: sulfur oxides, which are caused as a result of burning coals and oils. They are considered the most dangerous and irritating of all pollutants [in text citation]. Sulfur dioxide can be converted to sulfuric acid which is deposited back into the earth by rain. This is known as acid rain.
Another major pollutant is carbon oxides (carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) Carbon monoxide which is a colorless and odorless poisonous gas is produced when fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood is incompletely burned. Exhausts from automobiles are a major source of carbon monoxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas caused by normal combustion. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect. The main source of carbon dioxide emission is from fossil fuel combustion for energy use and transportation.

Thirdly is Nitrogen oxides which are produced in automobile engines, are emitted from high temperature combustion. When nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon are combined, they produce ozone which constitutes to smog.
Chlorofluorocarbons are also considered a pollutant. They contribute to the...