AIR POLLUTANTS HAVE HARMFUL EFFECTS ON HUMAN
HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

They are caused by many sources and not only prove a problem in the immediate vicinity but can travel long distances.

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SMOG

One of the most visible effects of air pollution is smog. A fog-like smoke  can cover many cities, and is seen as a  discoloured haze that obscures the view of skylines. It mainly comes  from car exhausts and other emissions from surrounding industries. This effects not only the people who  breathe it but also all systems that rely on circulating air.

ACIDIFICATION

Chemical reactions involving air pollutants can create acidic compounds which can cause harm to vegetation and buildings. Acid rain is caused when chemicals from pollutants enter the atmosphere and  become bound to rain droplets, the water then changes and becomes acidic,  When acid rain falls to earth,  aside from polluting the water,  fish and other aquatic life, it can kill a forest and harm animals and other wildlife by raising the acidity of the soil.

It can also affect man-made constructions, especially those made of stone. For example monuments and building structures are eaten away by the  acid.

HEALTH

Air pollution causes numerous health consequences. A person’s lungs can become coated with the  particulate matter in the pollution. This can lead to any number of respiratory  problems, depending on the levels of exposure and the level of effect usually depends on the length of time of exposure.  At the very minimum, people who  suffer from asthma or respiratory issues may have more difficulty. Long term  exposure can lead to health concerns similar to long term smoking, such as  cancer and emphysema. Please click HERE to find out more information on Health Effects.

Please click HERE for a detailed table of the pollutants, sources and their effects on the Defra website.