How does pollution affect the environment?
Flexi Says:
Air pollutants include particulates, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and VOCs. Particulates block sunlight from reaching Earth’s surface. This means there is less energy for photosynthesis. Less photosynthesis means that plants and phytoplankton produce less food. This affects whole ecosystems. The ozone in smog may damage plants. The effects of ozone add up over time. Plants such as trees, which normally live a long time, are most affected. Entire forests may die out if ozone levels are very high. Nitrogen and sulfur oxides form acid rain. Heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, are toxic to living things. They can enter food chains from the atmosphere. The metals build up in the tissues of organisms by bioaccumulation. VOCs are toxic to humans and other living things. In people, they can cause a wide range of problems. These can range from eye and nose irritation to brain damage and cancer. Levels of VOCs are often higher indoors than out.