Overview
Various air pollutants can cause detrimental effects on sensitive refuge resources. These include pollutants emitted directly from sources (primary pollutants) and those that are formed as a result of chemical reactions in the atmosphere (secondary pollutants). Primary pollutants include, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, while secondary pollutants include sulfates, nitrates, and ozone.
Air pollutants can have serious effects on wildlife, vegetation, lakes, streams, soils, and visibility in areas managed by the Fish & Wildlide Service. The a challenge for the Fish & Wildlide Service is to manage and protect refuges and wilderness areas from the effects of air pollution.
For further information on air quality for the Department of Interior please visit the National Park Service, Air Quality Branch website at http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/AQBasics/index.cfm
