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A very simple question sometimes does not lead to a simple answer. But, in general yes, similar in chemical composition, dissimilarities in pollution threat levels. A "pollutant" does harm to natural processes. Both burning of wood and fossil fuels generate carbon dioxide, and excess CO2 in our atmosphere contributes to global warming. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_fuel Wood burning creates particulate air pollution can contribute to human health problems and increased hospital admissions for Asthma & Heart diseases. Wood burning smoke pollutants include nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organics, radioactive compounds, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and suspect carcinogens (polycyclic aromatics and dioxins), See: http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.23354/k.100/Woodburning.htm According to the American Lung Association, oil or natural gas generate less pollutants in the home per btu, than wood. They also recommend on their website how to make wood burning safer. The fossil fuels are generally considered coal, oil and natural gas. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_fuel The list of pollutants are similar to wood burning, CO2, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide. Harmful volatile organics and radioactive compounds (uranium and thorium) are also produced as with wood burning. The pollution threat can not just be measured in what these energy sources produce, but how much they produce. Again, refer to Wikipedia under fossil fuels, and you will see that a steep increase in released emission of carbon to the atmosphere beginning in 1950 from fossil fuel combustion.

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Most air pollution is caused by?

Most air pollution is caused by burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline and coal, in vehicles and power plants. Industrial processes, agriculture, and waste disposal also contribute to air pollution.


What problem is most directly caused by burning waste?

Air pollution is the most direct problem caused by burning waste. This can lead to respiratory issues, carbon emissions, and contribute to climate change.


Who is responsible for air pollution?

Several factors contribute to air pollution, including emissions from vehicles, industry, agriculture, and the burning of fossil fuels. Individual actions and government regulations play a role in reducing air pollution. It is a collective responsibility involving both individuals and industries to address and mitigate the effects of air pollution.


What are the three main causes of air pollution?

The three main causes of air pollution are vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and burning of fossil fuels. These sources release pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter into the air, contributing to poor air quality and public health issues.


Does burning fossil and fuels cause noise pollution?

Burning fossil fuels can contribute to noise pollution indirectly, as industrial processes involved in extracting, transporting, and burning these fuels often produce significant noise. Additionally, activities such as drilling, mining, and infrastructure development related to fossil fuels can also generate noise pollution.

Related Questions

How does the process of chemical wood burning contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation?

The process of chemical wood burning releases harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds into the air. These pollutants can contribute to smog formation, respiratory issues, and damage to ecosystems. Additionally, the release of carbon dioxide from wood burning contributes to climate change and deforestation, further degrading the environment.


Can air pollution be reduced by burning wood?

NO! it makes it worse with all the smoke!


What toxins are emitted from burning wood?

Burning wood emits a variety of toxins including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. These toxins can contribute to air pollution and have negative impacts on human health and the environment.


Does burning wood cause pollution?

Yes, burning wood can cause pollution because it releases harmful substances like carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds into the air.


How does the process of graphite burning contribute to environmental pollution?

The process of graphite burning releases harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and particulate matter into the air, contributing to air pollution and climate change.


Most air pollution is caused by?

Most air pollution is caused by burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline and coal, in vehicles and power plants. Industrial processes, agriculture, and waste disposal also contribute to air pollution.


What is the disadvanteges of burning wood?

Wood is a non-efficient fuel. Disadvantages of burning wood are: 1. It leads to emission of harmfull gases like sulphur dioxide, carbon momnoxide etc. 2. It on burning leaves behind residual wastes. 3. Burning of wood on a large scale is responsible for air pollution. 4. We need to cut trees for using wood as a fuel therefore it leads to ecological imbalance.


What is the temperature of burning wood and how does it affect the surrounding environment?

When wood burns, it can reach temperatures of around 600 to 900 degrees Celsius. This high temperature can release harmful pollutants into the air, such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter, which can contribute to air pollution and impact the surrounding environment.


What problem is most directly caused by burning waste?

Air pollution is the most direct problem caused by burning waste. This can lead to respiratory issues, carbon emissions, and contribute to climate change.


What are the disadvantages of using wood as an energy use?

you are killing trees and causing air pollution from burning it so you get less oxygen


What does burning coal release into the atmosphere?

Burning coal releases carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury into the atmosphere. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, acid rain, and contribute to climate change.


Who is responsible for air pollution?

Several factors contribute to air pollution, including emissions from vehicles, industry, agriculture, and the burning of fossil fuels. Individual actions and government regulations play a role in reducing air pollution. It is a collective responsibility involving both individuals and industries to address and mitigate the effects of air pollution.