Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that
causes adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy,
such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either
foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often
classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution.
Air pollution is the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulates,
or biological materials that cause discomfort, disease, or death to humans, damage
other living organisms such as food crops, or damage the natural environment or
built environment.
The atmosphere is a complex dynamic natural gaseous system that is essential to
support life on planet Earth. Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution
has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth's ecosystems.Indoor
air pollution and urban air quality are listed as two of the World’s Worst Toxic
pollution problems.
Dirty water is the world's biggest health risk, and continues to threaten both quality
of life and public health in the United States. When water from rain and melting
snow runs off roofs and roads into our rivers, it picks up toxic chemicals, dirt,
trash and disease-carrying organisms along the way. Many of our water resources
also lack basic protections, making them vulnerable to pollution from factory farms,
industrial plants, and activities like fracking. This can lead to drinking water
contamination, habitat degradation and beach closures.