Vehicle exhaust, smoke, road dust, and industrial emissions, as well as pollen, all contribute to air pollution, which is a combination of many different gases and particles from man-made causes.
Short and long-term exposure to contaminants in the air can result in a range of health issues. Air pollution can make it difficult to breathe, provoke asthma episodes, or cause wheezing and coughing in persons with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis).
Air pollution also raises the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, and affects those who are already sick more severely. Air pollution has disproportionately negative health consequences on children, the elderly, and residents of low-income areas.
Some air pollutants settle out of the air and end up in our food, water, and soils, such as mercury in fish and dioxins in meat and dairy products.
Learn ways to decrease air pollution in your home and workplace. Small, local sources such as cars and lawnmowers release more pollution than all industrial sources combined. Simple steps taken on a daily basis can assist to avoid and mitigate this effect.