Air pollution occurs when chemicals or particulates are at concentrations detrimental to humans, ecosystems, and the environment. Naturally, the atmosphere experienced some changes before the industrial revolution. Industrialization, however, has exacerbated the number of harmful chemicals entering the air. Fossil fuel combustion for transportation and electricity generation account for a large percentage of outdoor air pollution. Vehicles with an old engine design that uses fuels containing lead and sulfur produce more pollution in many countries.

Major Air pollutants

The quality of the air is dependent on the amount of pollutants present. Some air pollutants include:

Ammonia(HN3),Carbon monoxide(CO),Nitrogen dioxide(NO2),Nitric oxide, Ozone(O3),Particulate matter(PM),Sulfur dioxide(SO2),Volatile organic compounds(VOC)

Solutions to air pollution

1. Catalytic Converters

Gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles have catalytic converters that transform dangerous air pollutants into less harmful ones. Today, Gasoline-powered cars come with an oxidation-reduction catalytic converter. These devices expose exhaust to a catalyst that converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide to nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Although CO2 is a GHG, carbon dioxide and atmospheric nitrogen are less harmful than carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide

2. Scrubbers

Scrubbers are pollution control device that removes air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen chloride from industrial exhaust. There are wet scrubbers and dry scrubbers. Wet scrubbers use a liquid (usually water) to absorb gases from the air. Dry scrubbers neutralize gases before they can enter the atmosphere. 

Scrubbers prevent damaging air pollutants from harming communities near industrial centers like water treatment facilities. 

3. Low-Emitting Stoves 

Premature death from improper cooking practices results in numerous death globally. Burning kerosene in closed spaces enables particulate matter to build up at deadly levels. Innovative stove designs increased cooking efficiency and the amount of particulate matter produced at home.