LINKS TO OTHER DIMENSIONS OF PROGRESS

Air quality is linked to human health. While the full effects of pollutants such as fine particles are still poorly understood, Australian studies are consistent with those overseas which show that days of high pollution levels have increased mortality rates, hospital admissions and emergency room visits for respiratory and cardiovascular disease (ABS 2010a).

Polluted air can harm biodiversity: smog and acid rain can affect many plants and animals (CSIRO 2005).

Air quality can be linked to the generation of income. Economic activity, especially among the more energy-intensive industries, creates pollution. But in turn, air pollution has financial impacts, such as the cost of cleaning buildings, as acidic gases in the atmosphere can corrode iron and steel. Agriculture can also be affected, as polluted air can harm crops and livestock. Land clearance and degradation also contribute to air pollution as fine particles are created when vegetation is burnt and when eroded soil is blown into the air.

See also the sections linked below.