Air pollution also damages the environment. Air pollution comes from factories, businesses, consumer products, and, most of all, from cars, trucks and buses. Pollution from vehicles cause two of our worst air pollution problems, smog and carbon monoxide. Ozone, or smog, irritates the lungs, eyes and other tissues. It can cause or worsen respiratory problems.
Carbon monoxide interferes with the blood s ability to carry oxygen to the brain.
CO can slow reflexes and affect thinking skills. Pregnant women and people with heart or lung disease are particularly at risk. In high concentrations, carbon monoxide kills. Cars are much less polluting today than they were in the 1960's. But there are more cars on the road today, and we drive more.