Air pollution
Harmful gases and particles in the air, such as sulfur dioxide that causes acid rain or smoke particles that damage lungs.
Last updated
Analogy
Dirt in the air that we all breathe.
In practice
Burning coal releases sulfur dioxide, which dissolves in rain and can harm trees and lakes.
Practice
Flashcards
- What causes acid rain?Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides dissolving in rain.
Questions people ask
What is acid rain and what does it do?
Burning fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These dissolve in cloud water to form weak acids that fall as acid rain. It can damage leaves, kill fish by making lakes acidic, and wear away stone buildings. Cleaner fuels and filters reduce it.
How does air pollution affect human health?
Tiny particles from smoke and vehicle exhaust can enter the lungs and cause breathing problems, such as asthma attacks, and raise the risk of heart disease. Carbon monoxide from engines stops the blood carrying oxygen. Long-term exposure can cause lasting lung damage.