Air Pollution

The photo below shows one major source of air pollution. What other sources can you think of?

Most air pollution is the result of burning fossil fuels. Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide are the main pollutants produced by burning fossil fuels.

In this activity, you'll look at some of the largest sources of these pollutants. You'll also look at progress made in the United States in decreasing levels of sulfur dioxide—one of the main components of acid rain.

To begin, print the Air Pollution Worksheet. Then, continue with the steps below.

1. Go to the Environmental Protection Agency Web page on carbon monoxide pollution. Use the 1999 National Emissions by Source: Carbon Monoxide chart to answer Question 1 on the Air Pollution Worksheet.
2. Next, go to the EPA Web page on sources of nitrogen oxides pollution. Answer Question 2 on the worksheet.
3. To see how much progress has been made in reducing levels of sulfur dioxide, look at the SO₂ Emissions chart at the bottom of the Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) page. Answer Question 3.
4. When you're done, check your Air Pollution Worksheet answers. Then, do the Further Exploration below.

Further Exploration

Much progress has been made in cleaning up our air. To find out about current efforts to improve air quality in the United States, visit the EPA's Cleaning Up the Air page and the EPA's Explorer's Club. Summarize your findings and share them with your class.