PollutionPollution is when chemicals, gases, smoke or other harmful materials are introduced to, and damage, the environment.Pollution can be caused by many different things such as the burning of fossil fuels.In recent times, there has been growing concern about the health implications of air pollution on humans and wildlife.

Glossaryfossil fuels: Coal, oil and gas used to power factories, cars

and homes.

What is Air PollutionAir pollution refers to the presence of dangerous or poisonous substances and chemicals in the air that we breathe.

These substances can have harmful effects on wildlife and on human health.

Polluted air contains many different pollutants including:

carbon dioxide

carbon monoxide

greenhouse gases

soot and many more.methane

People with lung and breathing conditions, such as asthma are much more at risk from air pollution.

What Causes Air PollutionMost air pollution is caused by the burning of fossil fuels. There are 5 main types of pollution. They are:

Agricultural

Transport

Industrial

Household

Waste

methane gas given off by cattle and the burning of animal waste.

the burning of engine fuels, especially diesel.

the burning of fossil fuels to heat homes and cook food.

the burning of fuels to power the factories and machines.

plastic products release dangerous chemicals, even if they are not burned.

How Does Air Pollution Affect Us?

The harmful substances that are released into the air settle on plants and in water sources. Animals eat the contaminated plants and drink the dirty water which means that the chemicals also reach us through thefood chain.

Breathing in polluted air puts you at a higher risk of developing respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis. When regularly breathing in polluted air, the lungs do not function as well and become inflamed. Coughing and wheezing are a common symptom of people who live in busy, built-up cities as they are at most risk.

What Can Be Done?

Individually, we can all make small changes that together will have a big impact. For example, using a car less, turning down the heating and buying less plastic will all help to reduce air pollution.

Governments, industries and individuals can all do more to reduce air pollution.

However, in order to really improve the quality of the air that we all breathe, every country must take responsibility for the amount of pollution that they produce and take drastic action to reduce it.

“Friend of Earth1” by [Friends of Earth Scotland] is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Air Pollution in Other CountriesIn groups, use books, tablets, laptops and any other available resources to research how another country deals with air pollution. In your research, try to find answers to the following questions.

What country are you researching?

Which continent is

it in?

What other things could they put in place to help solve the issue

of air pollution?

How does air pollution affect the country?

Which famous people come from there?

Does the country have any famous landmarks

How much air pollution does it

produce each year?

What is the population?

What is the capital city?

How does the country deal with

air pollution?

Which is the closest ocean or

sea?

What is the flag?

Useful Websites

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/air-pollution/

www.conserve-energy-future.com

www.natgeokids.com/

www.unenvironment.org

www.who.int

Countries to ResearchUnited States of America Afghanistan

Australia India

China Pakistan

Canada Indonesia

Qatar Egypt

Brazil Germany

Your TaskOnce you have completed your research, record your findings in the booklet provided.You will then present your research findings to the rest of your class. Use your research to create a poster explaining more about what you have learnt.