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| Air pollution is a chemical, particulate matter, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
| | {{cat header| default.png | Air pollution | Please click edit and add an intro sentence here. }} |
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| Worldwide air pollution is responsible for large numbers of deaths and cases of [[respiratory disease]].{{fact}} While major stationary sources such as power plants are often identified with air pollution, the greatest source of emissions is actually mobile sources, mainly automobiles.{{fact}} [[Greenhouse gases]] such as [[carbon dioxide]], which contribute to [[global warming]], have recently gained recognition as pollutants and internationally laws are being developed to reduce these emissions.
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| == Particulates ==
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| [[Particulates]] are a major cause of respiratory problems - these can be reduced by:
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| * [[cleaner burning]],
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| * Post-treatment (e.g. [[catalytic converters]] in vehicles - which require low sulfur fuel), use of [[air filters]]s
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| * more efficient [[design]] such that less fuel is needed:
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| ** Less [[heating]] of [[buildings]] through [[passive solar design]], or
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| ** Less power, through lighter [[vehicles]] with less wind resistance, energy capturing brakes, and [[urban planning]] to reduce traffic congestion.
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| * Choice of fuel. Diesel is worse than standard petrol (aka gasoline) [[Biofuel]] is generally better than [[fossil fuel]]
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| == Indoor air pollution ==
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| [[Indoor air pollution]] is a less visible threat, originating mainly in:
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| * "off-gassing" from household products and [[construction materials]] containing synthetic compounds (especially in wealthy communities) and
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| * [[indoor fires]] for [[heating]] and [[cooking]], including from [[kerosene fires|kerosene]] and dung (the worst), wood (also bad) and charcoal (less harmful smoke).{{fact}}
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| ==Outdoor air pollution==
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| [[File:Global air pollution map.png|thumb|right|150px|Global air pollution]]
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| == External links ==
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| [http://www.newstatesman.com/200212090027 The big smoke], newstatesman.com 09 December 2002 - the smogs of London that killed thousands in the 1950s.
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| [[Category:Pollution]] | | [[Category:Pollution]] |