Airborne pollutants include “criteria” pollutants, such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and lead, and toxic pollutants like benzene and mercury. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with protecting and improving the nation’s air quality.

This Reading provides background information on the underlying concepts in the Activities included in the Project Earth Science: Meteorology, Revised 2nd Edition. The Reading goes beyond what is found in the background information in the activities. The Reading can be used as supplementary information for the teacher, or to enhance classroom discussions.