5.2 - Air pollution

When gases, solids or liquids are absorbed in the atmosphere from either manmade or natural causes, the result is air pollution. Major causes of or pollution is the burning of gasoline, oil or coal in automobiles, factories, power plants and residences. Without proper control to how to remove the pollutants, it can travel in the atmosphere for great distances and can cause problems to acid rain and also damage the ozone layer contributing to the greenhouse effect known to create global warming.

The United States now has a law known as, The Clean Air Act, which monitors the amount of air pollution in the air and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, many member countries of the United Nations have joined forces to monitor and phase out many ozone-destroying chemicals and materials. Engineers have the technical skill to develop and implement the essential controls and devices for protection of delicate air resources, but must have the authority and financial support to successfully meet these challenges.