verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style

What are some common sources of air pollution?

Common sources of air pollution include emissions from automobiles, power plants, and factories, which release primary pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Wildfires also contribute significantly to air pollution. Agricultural activities release pesticides, odors, smoke, and dust into the atmosphere. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial solvents, fuels, and even household products are a major source of air toxics and contribute to urban smog. The combustion of fossil fuels, particularly for transportation and energy generation, is a primary driver of increased greenhouse gas levels, such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming.