Air pollution causes respiratory and cardiovascular disease, increases the risk of cancer, and damages ecosystems. It is one of the three planetary crises, along with climate change and biodiversity loss.

Air Pollution:

Air pollutants — tiny particles that can make breathing difficult, such as ozone and particulate matter (PM2.5) — enter the body through the lungs and make their way to all organs and tissues. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema, heart disease, and stroke. It has also been linked to increased risks of lung cancer and asthma in children, and may cause premature death.

The PM2.5 level in an area can be influenced by a range of factors, including the use of fossil fuels for energy and the presence of nearby factories and airports. People in cities have a higher exposure to air pollution than those in rural areas.

Water Pollution:

Water and soil pick up pollutants from their surrounding environment. Pollution from runoff can affect the quality of drinking water and can harm wildlife and plant life. It can also be transmitted between places by ocean currents and the permeability of soil.

Landowners can help identify potential sources of pollution on their property by regularly inspecting their soil, plants and bodies of water. They can look for signs of contamination such as an unusual color or odor, changes in plant growth and health, or the appearance of dead wildlife.