The air we breathe in many U.S. cities is being polluted by activities
such as driving cars and trucks; burning coal, oil, and other fossil
fuels; and manufacturing chemicals. Air pollution can even come
from smaller, everyday activities such as dry cleaning, filling
your car with gas, and degreasing and painting operations. These
activities add gases and particles to the air we breathe. When these
gases and particles accumulate in the air in high enough concentrations,
they can harm us and our environment. More people
in cities and surrounding counties means more cars, trucks, industrial
and commercial operations, and generally means more pollution.
Air pollution is a problem for all of us. The average adult breathes
over 3,000 gallons of air every day. Children breathe even more
air per pound of body weight and are more susceptible to air pollution.
Many air pollutants, such as those that form urban smog and toxic
compounds, remain in the environment for long periods of time and
are carried by the winds hundreds of miles from their origin. Millions
of people live in areas where urban smog, very small particles,
and toxic pollutants pose serious health concerns. People exposed
to high enough levels of certain air pollutants may experience burning
in their eyes, an irritated throat, or breathing difficulties. Long-term
exposure to air pollution can cause cancer and long-term damage
to the immune, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems.
In extreme cases, it can even cause death.
For a simple explanation about cleaning up air pollution, see the
Plain English Guide to
the Clean Air Act. You can also access the actual requirements
set out in the Clean Air Act.
This site contains reports about actual levels of ozone and other
common pollutants in the air. It also provides forecasts for Summer
ozone air pollution. Searches are available for dozens of cities.
Many newspapers and TV news reports now are referring to the AQI,
especially during periods when it is advisable to take precautions
due to high air pollution levels. Additional information about the
AQI is contained in a brochure called "Air Quality Index - A Guide
to Air Quality and Your Health," found at http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqibroch/aqi.html.
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Air Pollution Data and Maps
Access air pollution data for ozone, particulate matter, carbon
monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and lead, for the entire
United States. You can get reports about areas of the country with
high levels of air pollution, locations of monitoring sites, and
sources of pollution, as well as reports (by pollutant) of the 25
largest individual sources of air pollution. You can access maps
and charts of air pollution information. Maps are available in standard
"Ready To View" or custom "Create Your Own" formats.
- Areas Not Meeting National Air Quality
Standards
Access information on areas of the country where air pollution
levels persistently exceed the national ambient air quality standards
for each of the six common pollutants -- ozone, particulate matter,
carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and lead. These
"nonattainment areas" may be either listed or viewed in national
and selected area maps.
- National Air Toxics
Assessment (NATA)
This site provides information on the 33 air toxics that present
the greatest threat to public health in the largest number of urban
areas. Maps and lists are both available, and can be requested by
state or county level.
- Toxics Release Inventory
This database includes information for the public about
releases of toxic chemicals from manufacturing facilities into
the environment through the air, water, and land. You can
access the data by typing in your zip code.
Other web sites you may want to visit are:
Vehicles/Engines
-- Cars, buses, trucks, planes, trains, boats, and other sources
contribute to air pollution.
Haze/Visibility Impairment
-- Air pollution impairs visibility in our cities, national parks,
and other scenic areas.
Acid
Rain -- Pollutants combine with moisture in the air
to form acids that fall to Earth, making lakes unsuitable for fish,
and damaging forests, crops, cars, and monuments.
Nitrogen
Deposition -- Air pollutants deposit out in water bodies,
where they upset the balance of nutrients and deplete oxygen essential
to aquatic life.
Ozone Layer Damage
-- Pollutants are damaging the Earth's protective ozone layer, which
protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
Global
Warming -- Greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere,
causing a gradual rise in the Earth's temperature.
Indoor
Air -- Radiation and indoor air pollution includes
information on asthma, molds, secondhand smoke, and radon.
State and Local Air Pollution
Agencies -- Includes air pollution control agencies
in 54 states and territories and over 150 metropolitan areas across
the U.S.
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