# Air pollution

Harmful gases and particles in the air, such as sulfur dioxide that causes acid rain or smoke particles that damage lungs.

Biology (school) · Part 08: Humans and the environment · Card 7 of 10 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## 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.

## Related concepts

- [Eutrophication](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-8/biology-school-part-8-concept-6)

Web page: https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-8/biology-school-part-8-concept-7
Study this card in the app: https://studyvisually.com/app/learn?category=biology-school&card=biology-school-part-8-concept-7