Question: What are the health effects of pollution on humans? – L.I., Miami, FL
Answer: Poor air quality primarily affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. According to the EPA, exposure to particulate matter and ozone is associated with aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease. For more information, see this site on the health effects of air pollution, maintained by Health Canada