Health Effects of Air Pollutants

Air pollutants can affect your health. To protect your health, there are state and federal regulations to reduce emissions of air pollutants. Criteria air pollutants are those for which a state or National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) [exit DNR] has been adopted. Criteria pollutants are regulated primarily for their short term effects. They can cause respiratory or other health problems which vary with the pollutant. The links on this page under "Common Air Pollutants" will take you to information about the health effects of each of these pollutants.

Hazardous or toxic air pollutants are regulated both for their short term (acute) and long term (chronic) effects. People exposed to toxic air pollutants at sufficient concentrations and durations may have an increased chance of getting cancer or experiencing other serious health effects. These health effects can include damage to the immune system, or neurological, reproductive (e.g., reduced fertility), developmental, respiratory and other health problems. Wisconsin regulates several hundred toxic air pollutants under chapter NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR].

If you need more information on the health effects associated with air pollutants, please consult your physician, the city or county health department, the State of Wisconsin Department of Health & Family Services (DHFS), or the Division of Public Health [exit DNR] 608-266-1251. You can also check:

• Air Quality Watch or Advisory - Find out if there is Air Quality Watch or Advisory in your area.
• Air Spill Emergency Information: 1.800.943.0003
• Notice of hazardous substance spills requirement (NR445.16) [exit DNR]
• Air Pollution Basics (table)
• More information about health effects of air pollutants

Related Sites

• EPA's Air Quality Index [exit DNR]
• DHFS Health Effects Resources [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin Legislature Infobase for Statutes & Rules: Wisconsin's Toxic Air Pollutant Rule