Air Resource Management Program - Air Pollution

Forest managers must work to protect national forests and grasslands from the adverse effects of air pollution on air quality and sensitive resources such as, water quality, soils, aquatic organisms, and forest vegetation. Often, air pollution is outside the boundaries of the national forests and the Forest Service does not have direct control of it. To fulfill our responsibilities, the Forest Service work closely with state, local, and federal regulators, as well as other land managers, and stakeholders to protect sensitive resources.

However, some activities like prescribed fire, can negatively impact air quality. The Forest Service must determine what management tools to use to achieve the desired outcome. Prescribed fire can be used to promote healthy ecosystems and reduce the risk of wildfire, but it is also important to minimize the effects of smoke on human health and resources.

Air pollutants affecting our national forests can be divided into primary and secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants come from sources like industrial facilities, automobiles, and forest fires. The pollutants released include sulfur and nitrogen compounds, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds such as paint fumes and solvents, and toxic metals like mercury. Secondary pollutants, such as ozone, are formed when primary pollutants undergo chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Many pollutants can be moved from their source and affect distant lands.

Learn more about air pollution:

• Pollutants in the air:

  • Visibility

  • Ozone

  • Greenhouse gases

  • Smoke

• Pollutants deposited to ecosystems:

  • Acidic deposition (acid rain)

  • Excess nitrogen

  • Mercury

  • Critical loads