One of the challenges in protecting air quality is that air is invisible. Therefore, air is one of those things often taken for granted. Pollutants
in the air from activities such as driving motor vehicles and burning make the air unhealthy to breathe even when it looks clean. The Department of Ecology’s
Air Quality Program protects public health and the environment from pollutants caused by vehicles, outdoor and
indoor burning, and industry.
The things people do that cause air pollution can have long-term consequences. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas causes gases to
build up in our atmosphere and trap heat from the sun. Many scientists around the world agree that our planet’s changing climate is a result of these
activities. Ecology works with numerous state, national, and international partners to reduce the causes and impacts
of climate change.