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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an anthropogenic source of atmospheric pollutants?

Human activities release pollutants into the air, and burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry is a primary example. When coal, oil, or natural gas are combusted, they emit sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, and various volatile organic compounds. These pollutants drive urban smog, acid rain, and health problems from poor air quality. The other options come from natural processes: volcanic eruptions release gases and ash, dust storms lift mineral dust into the atmosphere, and wildfires produce smoke and particulates. So fossil fuel combustion is the clear human-caused source of atmospheric pollutants.

Human activities release pollutants into the air, and burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry is a primary example. When coal, oil, or natural gas are combusted, they emit sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, and various volatile organic compounds. These pollutants drive urban smog, acid rain, and health problems from poor air quality. The other options come from natural processes: volcanic eruptions release gases and ash, dust storms lift mineral dust into the atmosphere, and wildfires produce smoke and particulates. So fossil fuel combustion is the clear human-caused source of atmospheric pollutants.