Air Pollution: Control & Regulation

Major constituents of our atmosphere

Regulation via the Clean Air Act

1. Historical view of air pollution laws
2. Development of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
3. NAAQS primary and secondary standards
4. State Implementation Plans (SIPS) - 1990 Clean Air Act
1. Classify areas of non-attainment
2. Adhere to tightened automobile emission standards
3. Implement the use of less polluting "oxy" fuels
4. Revise air toxics using technology-based standards
5. Work toward phase out of ozone-depleting chemicals

Major sources of air pollution (Six "priority" air pollutants)

1. Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ vs. PM_2.5)
2. Nitrates (NO_x)
3. Sulfates (SO_x)
4. Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
5. Ozone (O₃)
6. Lead (Pb)
7. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Health Effects of Air Pollutants

• National conference on air pollution impacts on body organs and systems
1. Airborne Particulate Matter - its effect on human health
2. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
1. Emphysema
2. Chronic bronchitis
3. Asthma
• Asthma and Air Pollution - The human health effects of air pollution on asthma.

Global Effects

1. Greenhouse gases
2. Depletion of the Ozone layer
• Ozone depletion - general description
• U.S. EPA Ozone Depletion Program
3. Acid rain deposition
• The ABC's of Acid Rain
• U.S. EPA Acid Rain Program
4. Effects on human lung tissue: acute & chronic
5. Control strategies: banning vs. regulation...

Indoor Air Pollution

1. Three factors influencing increased problem
1. "Tight" building practices/added insulation
2. Use of materials which give-off contaminants
3. Combustion (cooking, wood stoves, etc.)
2. "Sick Building Syndrome"
• Sick Building Syndrome and Plants
• The Tropical Fish analogy
3. Sources and Control of Indoor Air Pollution
1. Combustion by-products
2. Microorganisms and allergens
3. Formaldehyde
4. Asbestos
5. Tobacco smoke
6. Radon
7. and Others

Additional Links:

• EPA - Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
• Clean Air Act Information Network