Air Pollution
Air pollution is known to have certain effects on the body. See
Figure 26-3. As Americans began to recognize and acknowledge the
significant air quality problems associated with the modernization of our
nation, it became evident that steps must be taken to protect the environ-
ment. One of the most significant steps taken was the Air Pollution
Control Act of 1955.
Prior to the mid-1950s, air pollution and air quality issues were the
responsibility of state and local governments. In 1955, the first federal
legislation controlling air pollution was passed. It was known as the Air
Pollution Control Act. Congress passed the Clean Air Act (CAA) in 1963.
This act set emissions standards for certain sources of pollution.
Subsequent amendments to the legislation strengthened the federal role in
preserving air quality. The most significant of these amendments are asso-
ciated with the CAA amendments of 1990. This series of amendments
included provisions for an acid rain control program, funding for state-
run permit programs for the operation of many sources of air pollutants,
and even funding for the retraining of displaced workers who lost their
jobs as a direct result of implementation of the CAA amendments.
Changes implemented in 1990 include the following:
• More stringent automobile emissions standards.
• Reformulated gasoline and alternative fuels for some of the most
populated areas of the country.
• A phaseout schedule for many of the most ozone-depleting chemicals.
• The establishment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
various types of air pollutants.
• The strengthening of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s
role in oversight and authority to assess penalties for noncompliance.
Clean Air Act
(CAA): The Act
Congress passed in
1963 that set emis-
sions standards for
certain sources of
pollution.
Energy, Power, Transportation, and the Environment 613
Pollutant Source Effects
Carbon monoxide Automobile emissions High concentrations can cause death,
low concentrations impair judgment
Lead Smelting and Lead poisoning—impaired mental
manufacturing processes ability in younger children
Nitrogen oxides Fossil fuel consumption Smog, acid rain, respiratory and
eye irritation
Ozone Photochemical reactions Respiratory irritation, reduced
with by-products of lung function
combustion
Particulate matter Smoke, dust, automobile Breathing difficulties
emissions, industrial
processes
Sulfur oxides Industrial processes Smog, upper respiratory disease
involving combustion
Toxic air pollutants Asbestos, arsenic, Lung disease, cancer
benzene, chemical and
industrial processes
Figure 26-3. Sources of various pollutants and their effects on human health.
Other effects are suspected as well.