The interaction of all pollutants with the epicuticular waxes of eastern white pine (P. strobus L.) needles was investigated. The morphology and distribution of waxes differed between needles from trees growing in locally polluted and unpolluted atomspheres. On needles subjected to air pollutants stomatal occlusion was prominent and structural wax integrity was disrupted. Epicuticular wax modification may be an initial effect of air pollutants.