Air pollution is the presence of any substance in the atmosphere that is harmful to human health and welfare, or is otherwise offensive or objectionable. While some pollution occurs naturally from events like volcanic eruptions, the types that most significantly affect our health and communities come from human activities. These activities are often a byproduct of modern life and industrial progress.

The activities that cause pollution are often associated with “community living, as well as with the growth of affluence and living standards in industrial societies.”

To effectively manage and control air pollution, we must first understand where it originates. Classifying the different sources is the foundational first step.