Haze affects visibility.
Particulates, though extremely small, pose serious human health and environmental threats. Particulates, or particle pollution (PM), are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act. The concern arises from the size of these mixtures of acids, chemicals and liquid. PM can travel great distances, causing widespread impact. Deposition of these materials can cause imbalances in water and soil chemistries in our ecosystems.
Primary Particles
Particles classified as primary particles, are the direct result of pollution from sources such as smokestacks or fires that contaminate natural resources of the ecosystem.
Health Threats
The smallest particles are the most dangerous to the health of humans and wildlife and have been linked to decreased lung function and heart ailments, even premature death.
Acid Rain
Particulates that include sulfuric acid can combine with moisture in the air, creating acidic precipitation that can acidify lakes and streams, rendering them unfit to support life.
Photosynthesis
Plants are affected by particulates that coat leaves and interfere with their ability to carry out photosynthesis by impeding the exchanges of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Haze
Particulates are a primary cause of haze, reducing our visibility to one-third of what it would be without particle pollution.
