The pollution created when fossil fuels are burned to create electricity can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and pain with deep breaths. People who suffer from lung conditions such as emphysema and asthma can have even more trouble breathing when the air is polluted. These effects can be worse in anyone who spends significant periods of time exercising or working outdoors. The interaction between air pollution and exercise is so strong that health scientists typically use exercising volunteers in their research. And studies show that ozone and other pollutants can have acute impacts even when activity takes place in pristine outdoor settings, not just urban and industrial regions.
Children often play outside for long periods of time.
Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more rapidly and inhale more air pollution per pound of body weight than adults. On days when ozone levels are high, these factors put children at increased risk for respiratory problems. Pollution also harms the beauty and well-being of outdoor settings, such as when smog and haze limit visibility or acid rain kills off plants and wildlife. Mining and drilling for fossil fuels disrupt entire ecosystems, and nuclear plants pose problems with the disposal of radioactive waste. The use of Green Power lessens these impacts and keeps the great outdoors a healthy place to be active.