Fossil Fuels & Types of Air Pollution

Greenhouse Gases

• When you hear the term "greenhouse gases," it refers to a mixture of toxic particulates and gases that are filling the atmosphere and warming the planet. Three large components of greenhouse gases are hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. These are all byproducts of fossil fuels. These toxic chemicals discharge into the air through the process of humans burning fossil fuels.

Energy

• According to the Department of Energy, 85 percent of all the energy used in the U.S. comes from fossil fuel combustion. This is when coal, gas or oil is burned to be converted into electricity. The smoke produced is released into the air along with all of the toxic chemicals that contribute to greenhouse gases. Because we are dependent upon fossil fuels for electricity, our country is largely dependent upon other countries that supply a lot of the fuel.

Transportation

• The largest contributor to greenhouse gases is transportation. This includes personal vehicles, trains, planes, ships and other gas-dependent motors. Almost all of the nation's transportation is dependent upon the burning of fossil fuels. The exhaust pipe of your car releases carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, hydrocarbons and cancer-causing particulates. A vehicle that emits smoke from the exhaust is producing much greater amounts of these toxins.

Solutions

• Human dependence on fossil fuels must cease, or greatly decrease, to prevent further air pollution. Possible solutions include wind-, solar- and water-powered energy sources. These sources of electricity produce very little to no toxic emissions. Alternative fuels or electric vehicles hold the key to reducing air pollution from transportation. The U.S. Department of Energy is responsible for both ensuring the steady supply of traditional energies and maintaining a commitment to decrease dependence on them.