Some of the important forms of pollution-related environmental hazards include air pollution, water pollution, and noise pollution.

Air pollution is recognised as the world's largest single environmental health risk. The sources include emissions from industries and vehicles, as well as the burning of wood and coal for domestic use. Indoor air pollution is particularly serious in rural homes where wood fires using green or poorly burning wood, badly designed fireplaces (chulhas), and poor ventilation put village women at serious risk. In 2012, around 7 million people died as a result of air pollution exposure, with 3.3 million deaths linked to indoor air pollution and 2.6 million deaths related to outdoor air pollution.

Water pollution is another significant hazard. The pollution of rivers and waterbodies is a particularly important problem, especially where fertilisers and pesticides are used.

Noise pollution affects cities significantly and has been the subject of court orders in many cities. Sources include amplified loudspeakers used at religious and cultural events, political campaigns, vehicle horns and traffic, and construction work.

These pollution-related hazards result in serious illness and death, making them critical environmental problems requiring urgent attention.