What is Air Pollution Air Pollution contamination of the atmosphere by gaseous, liquid, or solid wastes that can endanger the health of human beings, plants, and animals, or that can damage materials, reduce visibility, or produce undesirable odors. Every year, more than sixty-six million tons of poisonous gas is emptied into the air, twelve million tons of hydrocarbons1, six million tons of nitrogen oxides, one hundred fifty thousand tons of aldehydes2, and five hundred thousand tons of sulfur compunds. Approximately 80% of our air pollution comes from hydrocarbons released by vegetation. What Causes Air Pollution Air pollut