Air pollution

Air pollution is a broad term applied to all physical (particulate matter), chemical, and biological agents that modify the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

Related Topics:
Air - Pollution - Chemical - Biological - Atmosphere

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Some definitions also consider physical perturbations such as noise pollution, heat, radiation or light pollution as air pollution. Definitions commonly include the term harmful as a requisite to consider a change to the atmosphere as pollution.

Related Topics:
Physical - Noise pollution - Heat - Radiation - Light pollution

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Air Pollutants are classified as either Primary or Secondary.

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A primary air pollutant is one that is emitted directly to the air from a given source. Carbon monoxide is an example of a primary air pollutant because it is produced as a byproduct of combustion.

Related Topics:
Carbon monoxide - Combustion

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A secondary air pollutant is formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary air pollutants. The formation of ozone in photochemical smog is an example of a secondary air pollutant.

Related Topics:
Chemical reactions - Ozone - Photochemical smog

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The atmosphere is a complex, dynamic and fragile system. Concern is growing about the effects of air pollutant emissions in a global context, and the inter-linkage of these emissions with global warming, climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion.

Related Topics:
Global warming - Climate change - Ozone depletion

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