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?

How does haze pollution affect hiker and ecosystem health?

Haze pollution does not just block the view from mountain tops, it negatively affects humans and ecosystems it deposits in.  The small particles, a.k.a.fine particulates (2.5 micron in size or 1/60th the size of a human hair) can penetrate deep into human lungs. The National Ambient Air Quality Standard for fine particulates is currently 65 micrograms per meter cubed for an 24-hour average and 15 micrograms per meter cubed for an annual average.  The AMC believes these levels are too high and should be lower to protect human health (learn more).  The EPA and states put out air quality action alerts that inform the public on days when levels of fine particulates are unhealthy.  Click here for the national air quality forecast.

Hiker Health

Recent human health studies have shown fine particle pollution causes:

• Aggravated asthma and other Increases in respiratory symptoms
• Chronic bronchitis
• Decreased lung function
• Premature death

Ecosystem Health

The acidity of the sulfur and nitrogen particles in haze pollution is enhanced when they interact with water droplets.  Whether they fall to the earth as particles or after being transformed to acid rain they cause damage once the have enter forest ecosystems.

• Acid mist affecting cold tolerance of sensitive trees making them more susceptible to injury.
• Acidification of surface waters
• Depletion of soil nutrients
• Eutrophication (where excess nutrients stimulate excessive growth of algae or aquatic plants
• Could impact biodiversity