Air pollution occurs when gases, dust, fumes or smoke are introduced to the atmosphere in a way that is harmful to humans, animals and plants. There are two types of pollutants - primary pollutants such as carbon monoxide from cars that are directly emitted, and secondary pollutants like photochemical smog that form from chemical reactions between primary pollutants. Air pollution can be caused by both human activities like burning fossil fuels or natural events such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires. Air pollution poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions.