Impacts on the Environment 

1. Damage to Ecosystems and Vegetation

• Acid Rain: Emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) react with water vapor to form acids, which forms acid rain. This acidifies soils and water bodies, damaging forests, crops, and aquatic ecosystems.

• Ozone Damage: Ground-level ozone (a key component of smog) harms plant tissues, reducing crop yields and forest growth.

• Soil Contamination: Pollutants can settle into the soil, affecting its chemistry and harming beneficial microorganisms.

2. Water Pollution

• Eutrophication: Nitrogen compounds from air pollution can deposit into lakes and rivers, causing algal blooms. When these algae die, they deplete oxygen in the water, harming fish and other aquatic life.

• Heavy Metals & Toxins: Pollutants like mercury and lead can enter water bodies via atmospheric deposition, accumulating in the food chain and poisoning wildlife.

3. Harm to Wildlife

• Toxic Exposure: Animals can absorb pollutants through inhalation or by ingesting contaminated water and food. This can lead to reproductive issues, disease, and even death.

• Habitat Degradation: Acid rain and smog can degrade natural habitats, making them less hospitable for plants and animals.

Effects on Health 

1. Short Term Exposure

• Particulate Matter:

• Short term spikes that last a few days can be deadly. Older adults in particularly can have premature deaths with short term particule pollution. 

• Research has shown that there is higher infant mortality rate, increased hospitial addmissions for heart related illnesses and stroke and higher rates of asthma attacks among children

• Ozone Pollution:
  

Additional Resources ​