Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment. It can come from human activity, such as industry, transport and farming, or from natural sources, such as volcanoes and wildfires. Pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats to human health, and air pollution alone is linked to millions of early deaths around the world every year.
Types of Pollution
The main types of pollution include air pollution, water pollution, land or soil pollution, noise pollution and light pollution. Each can harm people, wildlife and ecosystems in different ways.
Air Pollution
Air pollution comes mainly from burning fossil fuels in vehicles, power stations, industry and homes. Pollutants such as fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can damage our lungs and heart. Burning fossil fuels also releases carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas driving climate change.
Acid Rain
Acid rain is caused mainly by sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released when fossil fuels are burned. These gases react with water in the atmosphere to form acids, which fall as rain and can damage forests, lakes, wildlife and buildings.
Land and Water Pollution
Land and water can be polluted by industrial waste, landfill, spills and the run-off of fertilisers and pesticides from farmland. Contaminated land may need specialist clean-up before it can be safely used again. For more details on Remediation Contractors, visit a site like Soilfix
Why It Matters
Because pollution can build up in soil, water and the food chain, reducing it is important for the health of people and the planet. Scientists around the world agree that cutting pollution and greenhouse gas emissions is one of the biggest challenges we face.