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Pollutants are substances introduced into the environment that can cause harm to living organisms, ecosystems, or human-made materials. They can be natural, such as volcanic ash or pollen, but most concern arises from human activities, including industrial processes, transportation, agriculture, and waste disposal. Pollutants are classified based on their physical state—gaseous (e.g., carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide), liquid (e.g., oil spills, heavy metals in water), or solid (e.g., plastic debris, particulate matter)—and their sources, which may be point sources (e.g., factory smokestacks) or non-point sources (e.g., runoff from fields).

Common air pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which contribute to respiratory diseases, smog, and climate change. Water pollutants, such as pesticides, heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), and organic waste, disrupt aquatic life and contaminate drinking water supplies. Soil pollutants, including industrial chemicals and plastic microfibers, degrade fertility and enter the food chain. Noise and light pollution also impact wildlife behavior and human health.

Regulation of pollutants varies globally, with organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. and the European Environment Agency (EEA) setting standards to mitigate harm. Emerging challenges include microplastics, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, which exacerbate global warming. Sustainable practices, such as renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and green infrastructure, play a key role in reducing pollution’s environmental and health impacts. Public awareness and policy enforcement remain critical in addressing pollution’s long-term effects.