Introduction: The Problem; Aims and Methods of Research

Abstract

It has not been easy to accept the evident fact that our environment is more sensitive to industrial impact than are human beings and that this environment, with which man is constantly interacting, is a necessary requesite for existence. We have still not become aware of the importance of studying the impact of industrial pollution on ecosystems and the necessity to assess maximum permissible concentrations in the atmosphere of agents that are harmful to plants and plant communities. We also understimate the ability of protection zones around industrial plants to protect against local atmospheric pollution. Such zones are aimed not only at assuring safety to people but also at reducing the adverse impact of pollutants on local vegetation and animals.