The Effects of Air Pollution on Other Organisms

We all know that air pollution is a major problem in the world. It can cause problems for humans, plants, animals, and other organisms. The main cause of air pollution is the gases released by the combustion of fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide can have devastating effects on ecosystems. We know some of the effects these gases can have on humans. They can cause eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, destroy human tissue, cause lung cancer, and are toxic to the central nervous system. The effects on other organisms have not always been as clear, but according to a report by the Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies, air pollution is "degrading every major ecosystem type in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States,” where the study took place. It is a safe assumption that organisms are being affected all over the world.

Acid Rain

• Acid rain occurs when nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide are transformed in the atmosphere to produce sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then fall back to the environment in the form of acid rain. Acid rain is extremely harmful to freshwater animal and plant life. Whole lakes have become so acidic that no life can be found in them. Acid rain also infiltrates the soil, which strips it of important nutrients and can kill trees and plants. This, in turn, affects the animals feeding on these plants.

Sulfur Dioxide

• Sulfur dioxide poses one of the biggest risks to forest life. Tree and plants are particularly susceptible to this toxic gas. It can cause leaf injury and loss, reduced growth, and can disrupt cell metabolism within plants and trees. Since plants are a food source for many animals, sulfur dioxide can further affect the ecosystem indirectly.

Eroding Ozone

• Some toxic gases are also causing an erosion of the ozone layer, which then allows excessive, dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the Sun into our environment. Ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer in humans, animals, and wildlife. Scientists have seen an increase in deadly skin cancers in wildlife, presumably because of the eroding ozone.

Animals

• The effects of air pollution on plant life and marine life trickle down to other animals as well. Certainly, their food sources are being greatly affected. Land mammals feed on plants, trees, and marine life. There is also a belief that animals suffer the same symptoms as humans, as far as the effects of air pollution go. Particularly, higher-order animals, such as primates, are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Lung tissue is affected by breathing these toxic gases, which causes an increased risk of lung cancer. These gases are irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. In higher concentrations, they can be extremely toxic and even cause death.