2 POLLUTION WHAT IS POLLUTION? when the environment is contaminated by waste, chemicals, and other harmful substances, at a rate faster than they can be dispersed, diluted, decomposed, recycled, or stored in some harmless form. Pollution occurs Main forms of pollution 1 It comes from burning fossil fuels, such as , oil, petrol, and natural gas, which are usually used in , such as chemical plants, metal production factories, petroleum refineries, power plants, and incinerators. Fossil fuels are also used for cars , , and domestic heating. This process releases solid particles into the air (PM, i.e. particulate matter) and gases. Air pollution can lead to , persistent over big cities, , and damages to the . Air pollution. coal large industrial manufacturing facilities 1 aircraft tiny harmful acid rain smog global warming ozone layer 2 It occurs when harmful substances contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, or aquifer, degrading water quality and making it toxic to humans or the environment. Agriculture is one of the major sources of water pollution because of fertilizers and pesticides. Factories may oils, poisonous chemicals, and heavy metals into water. They can enter the food chain and cause diseases in the human body. Water pollution. release It refers to the accumulation of or underground that can contaminate the soil and groundwater, public health, destroy the habitats of plants and animals, and create ugly landscapes. Land pollution. solid or liquid waste materials on land threaten WARM UP In Italy, there are some areas with serious pollution problems. Do you know where they are? MORE Large industrial manufacturing facilities are the main sources of stationary pollution, while motor vehicles are the main contributors to mobile pollution. 1 DO What fuel is used for your family's car? Carry out a survey in your class and prepare a graphic indicating the type of fuel (petrol, diesel fuel, liquid propane gas, methane). Then discuss the topic in class. 1 DO What is the ozone layer? Use the net to find information. 2 Other forms of pollution It is the , such as radioactive gases, liquids, or particles in a place where they may harm people, animals, buildings, and land. Radioactive contamination. dispersion of radioactive materials It takes place when there is or unpleasant sounds that cause temporary disturbance to people and animals, either because of their volume or their production. Noise pollution. excessive noise It indicates the levels in the outdoor environment due to artificial light sources. Too much artificial light may reduce starlight in the night sky, interfere with astronomical research, have adverse health effects, and waste energy. Light pollution. alteration of natural light Water pollution Air pollution