How does acid rain affect public health?
High levels of sulfur in the air have been proven to cause and aggravate various types of lung disorders. These lung disorders, which affect some people’s ability to breathe, have led to both increased disease rates and mortality in sensitive populations, such as young children and elderly. Low levels of acidic compounds and acid mist commonly found in the air in the eastern United States also can pose health problems. EPA has been asked by a panel of outside experts to investigate this issue.
