US: Tree and industry gases mix to form dangerous aerosols, say scientists
September 1st, 2009
By Keith Nuthall
Environmentalists love trees. After all, they pump oxygen into the atmosphere and the rain forest is hailed as the planet's lungs. But maybe there is a flaw in this passion. American scientists think so - they are warning that gases emitted by plants can mix with industrial pollution and create a very unhealthy aerosol. One we breathe and can make us sick.
The natural pollutant in question here is called isoprene (which is formed naturally in plants and animals and is a precursor of ozone). It is created by many deciduous trees, with oaks being ...
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