ABSTRACT
In the previous chapter, the atmosphere was characterized as a mixture of gases. This gaseous mixture becomes polluted when it is changed by the addition (or, theoretically, subtraction) of particles, gases, or energy forms (e.g., heat, radiation, or noise) so that the altered atmosphere poses some harm because of its impact on weather, climate, human health, animals, vegetation, or materials. The concept of pollution entails a sense of degradation, a loss of quality, and adverse environmental effects whether it is applied to the air, water, or land.
