They can make life difficult even when many people may not recognize them as the cause. Forests, plants, watersheds and soils can be altered as particles fall out of the air. Some substances emitted into the air are accumulating in the food chain and environment, causing national concern. Suspended gases can damage or stress plants, making them prone to insects or disease. Emissions of carbon dioxide and methane are creating global climate change.
Some effects are nuisances that degrade the quality of life.
Airborne dusts can make your house dirty inside and out, sulfur and nitric gases can slowly destroy paint, corrode metal or degrade monuments, tombstones and buildings. Pollutants can reduce scenic views and shroud once-pristine valleys and vistas. Odors from chemicals, animal waste or manufacturing can make life difficult and unhealthy. Bad air can force people to stay indoors. Bad air can and does make Iowans ill every year whether it is smoke from trash and leaf burning or other factors.