Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air due to human activities or natural causes that can negatively affect living organisms' health or the environment.
Related terms
Particulate Matter (PM): Refers to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, often generated by burning fossil fuels or industrial processes.
Ozone: A secondary pollutant formed from chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.
Smog: A type of air pollution that results from a mixture of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.