(ASHEVILLE) -- The Environmental Protection Agency is making air polluting businesses stick to tougher mercury and air toxics standards. That is something the American Lung Association estimates could save 480 lives every year just in North Carolina.

Dr. Teresa Bratton with Allergy and Immunology in Greensboro said North Carolina has been doing well in limiting air pollution, but the state sees pollution trickle down from 16 other states by air and water. She said 122 advisories are in effect in the state warning about mercury content in lakes and streams.

Bratton added that more people are developing allergies and they believe this is tied to pollution. "What we are beginning to see at this point is that it isn't just being exposed to pollen, it's being exposed to pollen in the presence of a danger signal like air pollution."

(Thanks to: WWNC)