Pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate the environment. There are many types of pollution including air, water, soil, noise, and thermal pollution. Air pollution is caused by both natural sources like forest fires as well as human activities such as burning fossil fuels. Water pollution results from sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff contaminating surface and groundwater. Pollution has negative effects on human health, plants, animals, and the environment. Proper control methods and policies are needed to monitor and reduce pollution.