Why can air pollution be a problem even if you do not live next to a factory?

Air pollution can affect individuals far from its source due to the way pollutants disperse in the atmosphere. Factors like wind patterns and temperature inversions can carry harmful substances over long distances, impacting air quality in areas not directly adjacent to factories or industrial sites. Additionally, pollutants can accumulate in urban areas, where traffic and other sources contribute to poor air quality, affecting everyone's health regardless of proximity to industrial emissions. Consequently, even those living in seemingly pristine locations can be at risk from the broader impacts of air pollution.