The widespread nature of these pollutants in the atmosphere makes it difficult to link individual pollutants to particular diseases, but researchers have combined statistical evaluation of pollutant exposures, animal studies, controlled human-exposure studies, and clinical observation to evaluate the ill effects of air pollution on health. Acute air pollution episodes in this country and others since World War II have produced striking increases in deaths in the affected communities, particularly among persons already suffering heart and chronic lung disease. Increased incidence of chronic respiratory disease. Ozone and nitrous oxide have been shown to induce changes in the lungs similar to emphysema. Increased severity of asthma attacks.
Air pollutants make asthma patients more susceptible to other asthma-producing stimuli.
Higher incidence of acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory ailments among children and adults in areas of high fossil-fuel pollution. Increased, temporary difficulty in breathing in otherwise healthy children and adults. Increased mortality of heart attack victims. Angina pain may be exacerbated by high levels of air pollution. Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and changes in behavior and heart function.