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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. }}
 
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.
 
== Particulates ==
[[Particulates]] are a major cause of respiratory problems - these can be reduced by:
* [[cleaner burning]],
* Post-treatment (e.g. [[catalytic converters]] in vehicles - which require low sulfur fuel), use of [[air filters]]s
* more efficient [[design]] such that less fuel is needed:
** Less [[heating]] of [[buildings]] through [[passive solar design]], or
** Less power, through lighter [[vehicles]] with less wind resistance, energy capturing brakes, and [[urban planning]] to reduce traffic congestion.
* Choice of fuel. Diesel is worse than standard petrol (aka gasoline) [[Biofuel]] is generally better than [[fossil fuel]]
 
== Indoor air pollution ==
[[Indoor air pollution]] is a less visible threat, originating mainly in:
* "off-gassing" from household products and [[construction materials]] containing synthetic compounds (especially in wealthy communities) and
* [[indoor fires]] for [[heating]] and [[cooking]], including from [[kerosene fires|kerosene]] and dung (the worst), wood (also bad) and charcoal (less harmful smoke).{{fact}}
 
==Outdoor air pollution==
[[File:Global air pollution map.png|thumb|right|150px|Global air pollution]]
 
== External links ==
[http://www.newstatesman.com/200212090027 The big smoke], newstatesman.com 09 December 2002 - the smogs of London that killed thousands in the 1950s.


[[Category:Pollution]]
[[Category:Pollution]]

Revision as of 16:56, 5 November 2011

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