They reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, increase oxygen and help to remove toxins. Trees can clean the air and remove toxic airborne particles and gaseous pollutants. Toxins such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia and sulphur dioxide from their leaves, bark and roots.

There are four main types of air pollution sources:

• mobile sources – such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains.
• stationary sources – such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and factories.
• area sources – such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning fireplaces.

The Burning of Fossil Fuels Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum for energy in power plants, and other factory combustibles is one the major cause of air pollution.

High levels of air pollution can cause an increased risk of heart attack, wheezing, coughing, and breathing problems, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Air pollution can also cause worsening of existing heart problems, asthma, and other lung complications.

“Burning fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air.” And in an especially destructive feedback loop, air pollution not only contributes to climate change but is also exacerbated by it. “Air pollution in the form of carbon dioxide and methane raises the earth’s temperature,” Walke says.

Pollution may muddy landscapes, poison soils and waterways, or kill plants and animals. Humans are also regularly harmed by pollution. Long-term exposure to air pollution, for example, can lead to chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer and other diseases.

Polluted air causes diseases like asthma, pneumonia, throat pain, cough, and sometimes, even fatal diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart problem etc. High quantity of harmful gases in the atmosphere gives rise to severe accidents which even cause untimely deaths.