The difference between air pollution and greenhouse gases is easy to understand:
- Air Pollution refers to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that have a detrimental effect on humans and other living organisms
- Greenhouse Gases are gases that have the ability to absorb and trap heat. This causes a greenhouse effect on the earth. Examples of such gases include water vapour, methane and carbon dioxide.
Hence, air pollution is bound to be detrimental to human health while greenhouse gases are not (in lower concentrations of course). In fact, greenhouse gases are required for life on earth as they provide insulation from the cold vacuum of space.
| It can cause breathing problems and other related ailments under prolonged exposure. | Greenhouse gases are generally harmless. However, certain gases such as ozone can be toxic if inhaled directly. |
| Air pollution can have a detrimental effect on the environment. It can cause acid rain that can affect aquatic environments. | Greenhouse gases are relatively harmless up to a certain level. However, once the gases start accumulating beyond a certain threshold, global warming can wreak havoc. |
Main Articles:
- What Is Greenhouse Effect? – Definition, Causes And Effects
- Air Pollution – Definition, Causes, Effects And Control
- What Is Global Warming? – Definition, Causes & Effects
Frequently Asked Questions on Air pollution and Greenhouse gases
What is the difference between air pollution and greenhouse gases?
Air Pollution refers to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that have a detrimental effect on humans and other living organisms. On the other hand, greenhouse gases are gases that have the ability to absorb and trap heat. This causes a greenhouse effect on the earth. Examples of such gases include water vapour, methane and carbon dioxide.
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