Air pollution control helps to keep the environment clean. In order to reduce the amount of air pollution that is allowed to escape into the environment, various pollution control measures must be taken by individuals and industries alike. While there are different types of air pollution control available, understanding the main differences between these methods can be confusing. The best methods for air pollution control often depend on the individual or industry using them.

Activated carbon is one of the most popular forms of air pollution control. This type of control involves the use of a pollution filter, carbon, to reduce the amount of pollutants that are allowed to escape into the air. When in use, these filters absorb pollutants helping to cleanse the air of any possible toxins.

Biofiltration is another effective type of air pollution control. It uses microorganisms, often bacteria and fungi, to dissolve pollutants. Industries that employ biofiltration systems include food and waste plants, pharmaceutical companies, and wastewater management facilities. While this method of air pollution control works rather well, a large space is required in order to operate a biofiltration system. Many industries do not have this amount of available space, so this method is often disregarded.

Since car engine emissions are responsible for a large portion of air pollution, various measures must be taken in order to reduce these emissions. Often, catalytic oxidizers are placed inside of car exhaust systems. These oxidizers help to reduce the amount of emissions that a car creates. Oxidizers do not completely reduce air pollution caused by automobiles, however.

Hydrocarbons produced by vehicles are still allowed to escape into the environment, even with the installation of a catalytic oxidizer. This poses a large problem, since hydrocarbons are highly damaging to the environment. Scientists are currently working on a way to reduce vehicle emissions completely, though a practical version this type of air pollution control is not yet available.

Even though the aforementioned air pollution control methods are effective, each country around the world has a different set of pollution standards set in place. Within the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors emissions control. Europe has another set of emissions standards, while China and India have entirely different standards.

In order to reduce global air pollution, many environmental experts believe that all countries across the world should have the same emissions standards. This way, air pollution can be managed on a global level. Presently, a worldwide emissions standard has not been established, though many are hopeful that this will change within the near future.