True or false: Pollutants distributed by wind travel no farther than about 1,000 km from their source.

The statement is false because pollutants can be distributed by wind for much greater distances than 1,000 kilometers from their source, depending on various factors such as the nature of the pollutant, weather conditions, and atmospheric stability.

For instance, certain gaseous pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can travel thousands of kilometers before being deposited back to the earth. Particulate matter and other aerosols can also be carried long distances, particularly during significant weather events or when lifted into higher altitudes where winds are stronger.

Factors that influence how far pollutants can disperse include wind speed, atmospheric layering, and the physical and chemical properties of the pollutants themselves. Some pollutants may even undergo transformations in the atmosphere that allow them to remain suspended for extended periods, increasing their travel distance. This ability of pollutants to be swept along by prevailing winds and transported across vast areas contributes to broader environmental effects, such as acid rain and air quality issues in regions far from the original source of the emissions.