Impacts of Air Pollution

Since the passing of the Clean Air Act in 1970, environmental measures within the last three decades have cleared up much of the visible air pollution that once appeared over many skylines throughout the country. However, smog, haze and soot do still exist in many areas and even continue to cloud the views in wilderness areas.

By now we all know that air pollution can be deadly even though it cannot be seen. It causes lung disease and cancer, triggers asthma attacks, contributes to the greenhouse effect, poisons rivers and lakes, damages trees and kills wildlife. Changing regional climate could alter forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It could also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand into existing rangelands and features of some of our National Parks may be permanently altered.

And don't forget that the impacts of air pollution are not limited to the United States. As you know, air pollution does not discriminate nor follow borders and the problem of air pollution is one of an international scale, especially when it comes to global warming. Another thing to think about is that not all things, whether they be ecosystems or human settlements, are equally sensitive to air pollution. And finally, nations vary in their ability to cope and adapt to air pollution, global warming and a changing climate. Some nations will likely experience more adverse effects than others, while other nations may actually benefit in some ways.

Needless to say, from lung damage to acid rain to global warming, air pollution has many impacts on the economy and the health of people, plants, animals and ecosystems throughout the world.