Abstract

Air pollution is a critical environmental issue with far-reaching impacts on human health, ecosystems, and climate stability. This article provides a comprehensive overview of air pollution, focusing on major pollutant emissions and their harmful effects. Key air pollutants—such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—are examined in terms of their sources, including industrial activities, vehicular emissions, fossil fuel combustion, and agricultural practices. The study highlights how these pollutants contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and developmental disorders, while also exacerbating environmental issues like acid rain, smog formation, and global warming. Special attention is given to the disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations and urban communities. The article also discusses international and national regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing emissions, alongside emerging technologies and sustainable practices for air quality improvement. By emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated action, public awareness, and cleaner alternatives, this review underscores the importance of addressing air pollution as a global public health and environmental priority.