Effects of air pollution on forests. A critical review

Atmospheric pollution attributed to increased combustion of fossil fuels has been implicated as a possible contributory factor in observed changes to forests in North America and Europe. This review aims to evaluate evidence of changes in growth and vitality of trees in present-day forests; to compare levels of principal atmospheric pollutants in Europe and the US; to describe mechanisms and concentration thresholds for effects of principal pollutants on tree growth and physiology; and to summarise current evidence for the role of pollution in observed forest declines. Evidence from research is examined to provide a basis for evaluating the role of atmospheric pollution in present and potential future forest responses. There is a bibliography, of more than 200 references.