The health risk from air pollution is six times greater for children than for adults, because they are more active and therefore breathe more.
Air pollutants may severely damage metals, building materials (stone and concrete), paint, textiles, plastics, rubber, leather, paper, clothing, and ceramics. The two most corrosive, and therefore harmful, pollutants are sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid. The economic damage caused by air pollution is immense, and the damage to statuary and other works of art cannot be calculated.