1. What is haze?
2. Where does the haze pollution come from?
3. How does haze impair visibility?
4. How does haze pollution affect hiker and ecosystem health?

Where does the haze pollution come from?

Haze pollution is that portion of haze that comes from man-made sources. The largest source of regional haze pollution in the Eastern US is from older coal-fired power plants emitting sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide that then reacts in the atmosphere to form fine particles. These fine particles suspended in air absorb and reflect light causing a view to be obscured or even blocked. Haze is not the only consequence of this form of pollution. Recent scientific studies have illuminated the associated human health impacts of exposure to fine particulates, such as respiratory and cardiac disease and premature death. The warnings in EPA health messaging material include restricting prolonged or heavy exertion, which includes hiking, during elevated levels of fine particle pollution. Our organizations promote outdoor activities as a healthy lifestyle, yet this type of pollution impedes our ability to do so.  See links to animations of emissions below.

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Learn more about AMC's active campaign for a strong Regional Haze program by joining our Conservation Action Network and reading our recent White Paper.