Plants exposed to high ozone concentrations lose their chlorophyll and their food manufacturing abilities. However, there are still many sources for lead in our environment, such as large furnaces, incinerators, and battery plants. Lead in the atmosphere can deposit into lakes and streams where it may be ingested by fish and eventually by humans. The physical effects of lead poisoning are mental impairment, central nervous system damage and high blood pressure. Sulfur dioxide plays an important role in the production of acid rain.
Sulfur dioxide can cause nose and throat irritation and lung problems such as bronchitis.
Nitrogen Oxides react with organic compounds to form smog, and are also major components of acid rain. U.S. health standards for air quality are based on the concentration of particles small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. These are particles with a diameter of less than 10 microns. Particulates are produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels, incineration of garbage, mixing and application of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes such as steelmaking, mining operations, agricultural burning and the operation of fireplaces and woodstoves. Particulate pollution can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and other health problems.