This text investigates the chemical mechanisms and environmental consequences of atmospheric pollutants. D.J. Spedding provides a concise overview of the chemical interactions that define air quality, drawing upon foundational principles of atmospheric chemistry to explain how various substances behave within the Earth's gaseous envelope. The work serves as a technical primer for understanding the origins, transport, and chemical transformation of pollutants in the modern industrial era.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational, albeit brief, introduction to the chemical study of air pollution. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which remains accessible to students of chemistry seeking a clear, concise overview of the subject matter.