Health, Environmental, and Climate

Health, Environmental, and Climate Effects of Air Pollution
Pollutant Health Effects Environmental and Climate Effects
Ozone (O3
)
Decreases lung function and causes respiratory
symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath;
aggravates asthma and other lung diseases leading
to increased medication use, hospital admissions,
emergency department (ED) visits, and premature
mortality.
Damages vegetation by visibly injuring leaves, reducing
photosynthesis, impairing reproduction and growth, and
decreasing crop yields. Ozone damage to plants may alter
ecosystem structure, reduce biodiversity, and decrease plant
uptake of CO2
. Ozone is also a greenhouse gas that contributes
to the warming of the atmosphere.
Particulate
Matter (PM)
Short-term exposures can aggravate heart or lung
diseases leading to symptoms, increased medication
use, hospital admissions, ED visits, and premature
mortality; long-term exposures can lead to the
development of heart or lung disease and premature
mortality.
Impairs visibility, adversely affects ecosystem processes, and
damages and/or soils structures and property. Variable climate
impacts depending on particle type. Most particles are reflective
and lead to net cooling, while some (especially black carbon)
absorb energy and lead to warming. Other impacts include
changing the timing and location of traditional rainfall patterns.
Lead (Pb)
Damages the developing nervous system, resulting
in IQ loss and impacts on learning, memory, and
behavior in children. Cardiovascular and renal effects
in adults and early effects related to anemia.
Harms plants and wildlife, accumulates in soils, and adversely
impacts both terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Oxides of
Sulfur (SOx
)
Aggravate asthma, leading to wheezing, chest
tightness and shortness of breath, increased
medication use, hospital admissions, and ED visits;
very high levels can cause respiratory symptoms in
people without lung disease.
Contributes to the acidification of soil and surface water
and mercury methylation in wetland areas. Causes injury to
vegetation and local species losses in aquatic and terrrestrial
systems. Contributes to particle formation with associated
environmental effects. Sulfate particles contribute to the cooling
of the atmosphere.