Air pollution comes from many different sources such as factories, power plants, dry cleaners, cars, buses, trucks and even windblown dust and wildfires. Air pollution can threaten the health of human beings, trees, lakes, crops, and animals, as well as damage the ozone layer and buildings. Air pollution also can cause haze, reducing visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. EPA protects human health and the environment through the regulatory process and voluntary programs such as Energy Star and Commuter Choice. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA sets limits on how much of a pollutant is allowed in the air anywhere in the United States. Although national air quality has improved over the last 20 years, many challenges remain in protecting public health and the environment. EPA's goal is to have clean air to breathe for this generation and those to follow.
There are many sources of air pollution, including automobiles, power plants, factories, small businesses and household products. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA develops and enforces rules and regulations for all entities that emit toxic substances into the air. The Agency works with state, local and tribal governments, other federal agencies, businesses and community groups to implement and enforce its regulations. EPA also partners with scientists to study the causes and effects of pollution and to develop environmentally beneficial alternatives to pollution-generating processes.
EPA’s Folk Theory of Clean Air Threatens Rural America
In a proposal that “drew praise from the mining industry”, the EPA recently suggested we all stop worrying about air quality in America’s less populous areas, instisting that dust from those fruited plains and majestic mountains can’t possibly hurt you, as if the only air pollution in the world was the black stuff from tailpipes and smokestacks. But how can the experts at EPA harbor these quaint notions about air pollution when we know what farming does to air (and water), and mining is famous for the debris it kicks up? Maybe they need some re-education, starting with EWG’s work on air quality, here.
New York Battles EPA for Household Chemical Records
New York state is suing the EPA for its refusal to release information on the smog-causing properties of some common household chemicals. Smog-heavy states like New York and California need the records to plan for reducing pollution in order to meet their stringent Clean Air Act requirements. Per ususal, the companies under fire, like paint-maker Sherwin-Williams, say the information can't be released because it's trade secrets.
Volatile organic compounds, the smog-forming components found in household products like paint and varnish, may also contribute to increased asthma rates. Last year EWG released "Smoggy Schools," a report on what air pollution costs California measured in missed school days and children's medical expenses.