Explain why components that are naturally found in air can be considered air pollutants.

Answer 1

Components that are naturally found in air, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas, can be considered air pollutants if they are present in amounts that exceed their natural levels and cause harm to the environment and public health. For example, carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas that is necessary for plant respiration, but its increased levels due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, contribute to global warming and climate change. Similarly, nitrogen gas is vital for life but when released in excessive amounts, nitrogen oxides can cause acid rain and contribute to smog and respiratory problems. Hence, even natural components of air can be considered air pollutants if their levels exceed safe and natural levels and have harmful impacts on the environment and public health.