Describe three effects resulting from long-term exposure to polluted air.

Pulmonary Disease especially in children. Cardiovascular Effects. Another danger of air pollution is toxic particulates, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. When inhaled, these particles can build up in your body over time and cause health problems once concentrations reach dangerous levels. Arsenic can increase your risk of cancer; mercury can cause nerve damage and birth defects; and lead can cause learning disabilities and impair brain functions, especially in children. In high concentrations, many of the substances found in air pollution can be fatal.