These activities add gases and particles to the air we breathe. When these gases and particles accumulate in the air in high enough concentrations, they can harm us and our environment. More people in cities and surrounding counties means more cars, trucks, industrial and commercial operations, and generally means more pollution . Air pollution is a problem for all of us. The average adult breathes over 3,000 gallons of air every day.
Children breathe even more air per pound of body weight and are more susceptible to air pollution.
Many air pollutants, such as those that form urban smog and toxic compounds, remain in the environment for long periods of time and are carried by the winds hundreds of miles from their origin. Millions of people live in areas where urban smog, very small particles, and toxic pollutants pose serious health concerns. People exposed to high enough levels of certain air pollutants may experience burning in their eyes, an irritated throat, or breathing difficulties. In extreme cases, it can even cause death. For a simple explanation about cleaning up air pollution, see the Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act.