Final answer:
Lead (Pb) contributes to air pollution through the burning of fossil fuels and industrial activities. It can harm the respiratory system and have negative effects on plants and animals. Regulations have been put in place to limit lead emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lead (Pb) contributes to air pollution in several ways. One major source of lead emissions is from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas. When these fuels are burned, lead is released into the air as a pollutant. Lead can also be emitted into the air from industrial activities such as mining and manufacturing.
Lead in the air can have serious health impacts, especially for children. It can harm the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Lead exposure can also cause neurological effects and impact the growth and reproductive rates of plants and animals.