What is the primary gas released by burning fossil fuels that contributes to air pollution?

The primary gas released by burning fossil fuels that contributes significantly to air pollution is carbon dioxide. When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are combusted for energy, carbon in these fuels combines with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. This gas is a major greenhouse gas and plays a critical role in climate change and global warming.

Burning fossil fuels also produces other pollutants, but carbon dioxide is particularly noteworthy because of its abundance and its long-term impact on atmospheric composition. Unlike methane, which is another greenhouse gas that may come from various sources, carbon dioxide is the primary byproduct of fossil fuel combustion. While lead and nitrogen compounds can also result from burning processes, they are not the primary gas emitted in the same way that carbon dioxide is associated with fossil fuel combustion.

Therefore, understanding the role of carbon dioxide not only in air quality but also in broader environmental issues, such as climate change, is essential in the context of environmental health and regulatory standards.