Environmental Pollution Basics

What is the term used to describe a harmful or damaging substance released into the environment?

What type of pollution is caused by the noise of a busy environment, such as a city?

What is the main cause of environmental pollution?

What is an example of a cause of air pollution?

What is an example of a cause of water pollution?

What is a way to reduce environmental pollution?

What is a negative effect of light pollution?

What is the primary type of pollution caused by litter, such as the incorrect disposal of water bottles?

What is a common byproduct of industry that has been shown to weaken the immune system?

What is the term used to describe the use of natural products to accomplish tasks, such as cleaning, traditionally done with harmful chemicals?

What is the term used to describe the harm caused by substances derived from nature that cause human harm?

What is a common category of chemical pollution that can run off into water supplies and cause an excess of algae, phytoplankton, and plant life?

What is a major contributor to physical pollution on Earth?

What is the term used to describe the pollution of water, such as through industrial waste or excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides?

What is the purpose of layering soil on top of waste in a landfill?

What is Pollution?

Pollution is the act of releasing a harmful or damaging substance into the environment
The harmful substance is called a pollutant
There are five recognized categories of pollution: air, land, water, noise, and light

Types of Environmental Pollution

Air pollution is caused by releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere
Land and water pollution are caused by releasing harmful substances or running off harmful substances
Noise pollution is caused by loud noises in a busy environment
Light pollution is caused by the cumulative effect of many lights on the night sky
Environmental pollution is caused by human activities and can be reduced by using cleaner energy, being mindful of waste, recycling, and using green products

Physical Pollution

Physical pollution is when materials or objects are introduced into the environment, causing toxicity or harm
Litter, such as water bottles, is a primary type of physical pollution
Landfills contribute to pollution by releasing greenhouse gases, contaminating soil, and affecting the surrounding land

Chemical Pollution

Chemical pollution is the release of harmful chemicals into the soil, air, or water by humans
Examples of chemical pollutants include mercury, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide
Chemical pollutants can be released from industrial waste, excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and chemical factories
Examples of chemical pollutants include dioxin, which weakens the immune system, and pesticides, which affect human health and biodiversity

Biological Pollution

Biological pollution is substances derived from nature that cause human harm
Examples of biological pollutants include pollen, which causes allergies, and bacteria, which can cause infections
Biological pollutants can adapt to the environment because they are derived from living things
The presence of certain biological pollutants, such as coliform bacteria, can indicate human contamination in water.

Learn about the definition and types of pollution, including air, land, water, noise, and light pollution. Understand the causes and effects of pollution on the environment.