Air pollution shines from this alarming map

Traces of burning outline a map of human settlement and industry in a haunting graphic released by the data analysis startup Descartes Labs.Silver patches and strands represent nitrogen dioxide emissions, a gas produced by combustion that contributes to acid rain, haze, and lung problems. While there are natural sources of nitrogen dioxide, people are major emitters, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.Fuel-burning cars, trucks, power plants, factories, and even lawn mowers and con