2. Air pollution is the introduction of
chemicals, particulate matter, or biological
materials that cause harm or discomfort to
humans or other living organisms, or cause
damage to the natural environment or built
environment, into the atmosphere.
A substance in the air that can cause harm to
humans and the environment is known as an
air pollutant. Pollutants can be in the form of
solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases. In
addition, they may be natural or man-made.
3. Major primary pollutants produced by human
activity include:
Sulfur oxides (SOx)
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Volatile organic compounds - VOCs
Particulate matter -
Ammonia
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Toxic metals, such as lead, cadmium and copper.
4. Sources of air pollution refer to the various
locations, activities or factors which are
responsible for the releasing of pollutants into
the atmosphere. These sources can be classified
into two major categories which are:
1)Anthropogenic sources (human activity) mostly
related to burning different kinds of fuel.
2) Natural sources
Dust from natural sources, usually large areas of
land with little or no vegetation.
