Air pollution Indiana's air has become significantly cleaner in the last 10 years. Stricter standards and better compliance by industry have reduced smog and dust levels and improved visibility. However, in some parts of the state ozone levels still exceed federal standards. Levels of toxic chemicals, for which there are no federal standards, also are of concern in Indiana.
Air pollution has numerous health effects.
Children, the elderly and people with lung diseases are especially susceptible to health complications from air pollution. Pollutants in the air we breathe can cause a scratchy throat, coughing, difficulty breathing, watery eyes, inflamed lung tissue, aggravated asthma, lung disease, cancer, reduced immune defenses and other problems. Air pollution comes from motor vehicles, industry and many other everyday activities.