Add a transition statement at the beginning of the paragraph that links two ideas.
Air pollution has been linked to heart and lung disease, as well as cancer. It affects all age groups, from children to the elderly.
By contaminating the air we breathe, air pollution can cause serious health effects. Air pollution has been linked to heart and lung disease, as well as cancer. It affects all age groups, from children to the elderly.
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request.

### Instruction:
Add a transition statement at the beginning of the paragraph that links two ideas.

### Response:
By contaminating the air we breathe, air pollution can cause serious health effects. Air pollution has been linked to heart and lung disease, as well as cancer. It affects all age groups, from children to the elderly.