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Lichens are well known as sensitive indicators of air pollution, particularly for sulfur dioxide . Some sensitive lichen species develop structural changes in response to air pollution including reduced photosynthesis and bleaching. Pollution can also cause the death of the lichen algae, discoloration and reduced growth of the lichen fungus , or kill a lichen completely.

Lichens can be used as air pollution indicators, especially of the concentration of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere . Air pollutants dissolved in rainwater, especially sulphur dioxide, can damage lichens and prevent them from growing. This makes lichens natural indicators of air pollution.

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