air pollution
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air pollution
The contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances such as gases, dust, or smoke, which come from natural sources or human activities and can affect health as well as the environment.
In vielen Großstädten ist die Luftverschmutzung durch den Verkehr ein ernstes Problem.
In many large cities, air pollution from traffic is a serious problem.
The word is made up of 'die Luft' (air) and 'die Verschmutzung' (pollution). 'Verschmutzung' comes from the verb 'verschmutzen' (to pollute), which means 'schmutzig machen' (to make dirty).
Die Verschmutzung der Flüsse ist ein großes Problem.
The pollution of rivers is a major problem.
Common verbs used in connection with air pollution are 'verursachen' (to cause), 'reduzieren' (to reduce), and 'bekämpfen' (to combat). Typical adjectives are 'stark' (severe), 'hoch' (high), or 'gering' (low).
Die Regierung hat Maßnahmen zur Reduzierung der Luftverschmutzung beschlossen.
The government has decided on measures to reduce air pollution.
To indicate the cause of 'Luftverschmutzung' (air pollution), the preposition 'durch' (through/by) is almost always used.
Die Luftverschmutzung durch die Industrie hat in den letzten Jahren abgenommen.
Air pollution from industry has decreased in recent years.
particulate matter
Feinstaub is a specific form of air pollution consisting of very small particles suspended in the air. Luftverschmutzung is the broader term and includes harmful gases or smoke as well as dust. Use Feinstaub only when the focus is specifically on these particles.
Die Messstation meldet heute starke Luftverschmutzung durch Staub, Rauch und Abgase.
The monitoring station is reporting severe air pollution from dust, smoke, and exhaust fumes today.
Die Messstation meldet heute viel Feinstaub in der Innenstadt.
The monitoring station is reporting high levels of particulate matter in the city center today.
