Report of Atmospheric Pollution Working Group

Concerns about global warming and the role of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) content seem to have relegated studies of the effects of air pollutants to a position of secondary importance. There are very strong arguments for a continuing high profile for research on the impacts of nitrogenous air pollutants (NOx, NH3), ozone (O3) and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs). Atmospheric concentrations of these pollutants are increasing steadily and it is highly probable that they will continue to do so. Furthermore, these changes in atmospheric composition will be accompanied by increasing levels of UV-B radiation.