Introduction: Air pollution can be defined as the harmful gases present in the air we breathe. Pollution can be caused by natural sources or as a result of human activities. Natural pollutants include: dust, pollen, smoke from forest fires, and bacterial and volcanic action. However, human activities are the main cause of air pollution. The main sources of air pollution are industrial (factories and power plants) for 36% and road transport for 26%. Currently, the number of vehicles on the roads is constantly increasing, which leads to the production of more pollutants. The most common pollutants in transport are nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. This essay will examine the impacts on human health, the environment, and even the economy from these pollutants. We will then evaluate some of the solutions that have been put forward to reduce these harmful emissions. The increase in the number of vehicles The situation is that the growth of the world population, with the new types of vehicles that have been produced, is the main cause of the increase in the number of vehicles worldwide. In the United States, for example, automobiles have become synonymous with the free nature of life and culture that leads a prosperous family to want to have at least two automobiles (Mondt 2000). In Great Britain, another example, the number of vehicles, in 2004, rose to reach 29 million vehicles of which 24 million were private cars. Most people use their cars for short trips, as it creates unnecessary pollution. As a result, the amount of vehicle emissions has increased as both the population and the number of cars have grown. Air pollution is not a recent problem and was recognized as early as 1966, according to...... middle of paper ...... Works Cited Faiz, A., Weaver, C., S., and Walsh , M. , P. (1996) Air pollution from motor vehicles: standards and technologies for emission control. Washington, DC: World Bank OEE Energy Use Data Manual (2006). Natural Resources CanadaMondt, J., R. (2000) Cleaner Cars: The History and Technology of Emissions Control Since the 1960s. Warrendale, USA: SAE International Pimentel, D. (2007) Pollution causes 40% of deaths worldwide. SciencedailySAE (1994) Developments in alternative fuel technology. Warrendale, United States: SAE internationalFuel Economy, Environmental Protection Agency, United States (www.fueleconomy.gov).How stuff works (www.howstuffworks.com).Ministry of the Environment (Environment Canada), Government of British Columbia, Canada ( www .env.gov.bc.ca) (2001).Waltham Forest, Great Britain (www.walthamforest.gov.uk).