How do we cause pollution?

Humans cause pollution in several ways, including burning fossil fuels, driving cars and trucks, manufacturing, mining and engaging in agricultural activities. Some types of pollution, such as oil spills and mining disasters, produce immediate negative impacts on surrounding environments and ecosystems. read more

Health Effects of the Pollution We Cause. Exposure to emissions of lead, mercury, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and ozone-forming nitrogen dioxides are hazardous to public health. Toxic compounds, like mercury and lead, poison organ systems and can lead to brain damage and death. read more

Air pollution can result from both human and natural actions. Natural events that pollute the air include forest fires, volcanic eruptions, wind erosion, pollen dispersal, evaporation of organic compounds and natural radioactivity. Pollution from natural occurrences is not very often. read more