Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment, both from natural sources like volcanic ash as well as human sources such as trash and factory runoff. The document discusses several types of pollution that are problems in Hong Kong, including water pollution which exposes people to hazardous chemicals and disease-causing organisms, air pollution which increases health risks, noise pollution from construction and transportation, and land pollution. Protecting the environment from various forms of pollution is important for public health and safety.