Air Pollution
There are many possible reasons for the decline in air quality in recent years. Wildfires, a warming climate, and a strong economy could be contributors.
This goes back to the idea that the effects of Climate Change cause a chain reaction.
Air pollutants are a mixture of particles and gases that are extremely harmful. Air pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer, and other health problems, as well as cause issues such as acid rain.
Some examples of air pollution are soot, smoke, mold, pollen, methane, and carbon dioxide.
The five major pollutants that the US rates are ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
Cigarette smoke, radon, and asbestos can also contribute too as well as affect indoor air pollution.
Air pollution as a global health hazard. It kills. Indoor smoke is a threat to people who cook and heat their homes using things such as coal. Air pollution has been linked to higher rates of cancer, lung disease, and respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Air pollution can cause short-term problems such as sneezing, coughing, headaches, and eye irritation.
Air pollutants can also contribute to less direct health issues. Heat waves, extreme weather, and other effects related to increased greenhouse gases can have a negative effect on human health.
A changing climate could expose more people to ticks and mosquitoes that carry disease.
Many things do emit carbon dioxide. However, it is a pollutant when associated with cars, planes, power plants, and other human activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline and natural gas.
Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Sulfur dioxide is a cause of acid rain, and is part of the makeup of smog. It can create a cooling effect and block sunlight, which volcanoes also spew out (sulfur dioxide).
Volcanoes used to be the main way sulfur dioxide was released into the atmosphere. Today, it is humans.
Countries right now are tackling the issue of air pollution. China is working to clean up smoke-filled skies from years of rapid industrial expansion. California is working to set emission standards to improve air quality. There are efforts being made to bring cleaner cooking options to life.
Global warming is also being worked at by adding more renewable energy and using electric cars. Governments are trying to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
It is possible to make a difference and there is no reason not to.
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/pollution/