To accurately forecast pollution episodes, how can air pollution models achieve high resolution? This article describes the use of 3D adaptive gridding models for pollution transport and reactions. High-resolution models are necessary to test abatement strategies for secondary pollutants like ozone and nitrogen dioxide. The models resolve interactions between point source plumes and regional pollution. Adaptive methods increase resolutions in regions of steep spatial gradients. Both a layered and a fully adaptive 3D tetrahedral approach are used. Examples show the effect of grid resolution on secondary pollutant formation, demonstrating the effectiveness of 3D adaptive gridding models.