Effects of Air Pollution
View of Mount Rainer in Mount Rainer National Park, Washington
Many resources and values at units of the National Park System are affected by air
pollution. For example, the ability to appreciate scenic vistas is highly dependent on good visibility. Poor
visibility caused by air pollution can indicate that there may be other impacts occurring to resources that
cannot be readily observed. Human-made pollution can injure various species of trees and other plants, acidify
streams and lakes, and leach nutrients from soils. Air pollution may also be causing or exacerbating respiratory
symptoms for some of the visitors and employees at several National Park Service areas. The harmful effect of air
pollution on the park visitor's visual and recreational experience is also a concern because it could cause
impacts on park visitation and subsequent economic losses at parks and surrounding communities.