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The term air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. Air pollution arises from energy use and production and not only from the use of fossil fuels but also from the use of fuels from renewable sources and also from natural events (using volcanoes as the example of a natural event). Air pollution may cause diseases, allergies, and even death to humans as well as cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and food crops, and may damage the environment.

Smog and soot are the most prevalent types of air pollution. The former (smog) occurs when emissions from the combustion of fuels (including biomass and other renewable fuel sources) react with sunlight. Soot (particulate matter) is composed of small (often micron-size) particles of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens, in the form of gas or solids, that are carried in the air. Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs – especially of people who work or exercise outside and is even worse for people who have asthma or allergies – the pollutants only intensify their symptoms and can trigger asthma attacks.

Hazardous air pollutants are either deadly or have severe health risks even in small amounts and most often emitted during gas or combustion of other fossil fuels and fossil fuel products. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives are toxic components of traffic exhaust and wildfire smoke. In large amounts, they have been linked to eye and lung irritation, blood and liver issues, and even cancer. Dioxin derivatives are also present in small amounts in the air and can affect the liver in the short term and harm the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as reproductive functions.

Mold and allergens from trees, weeds, and grass are also carried in the air, are exacerbated by climate change, and can be hazardous to health. They are not regulated by the government and are less directly connected to human actions, but they can be considered air pollution. When homes, schools, or businesses are subject to water damage, mold can grow and can produce allergenic airborne pollutants. Exposure to mold can precipitate asthma attacks or an allergic response, and some molds can even produce toxins that would be dangerous for anyone to inhale. Pollen allergies are worsening because of climate change which extends the pollen production season.

See also: Gaseous Pollutants, Greenhouse Gases, Greenhouse Effect.