ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the principle air and water laws in the United States. It describes current air regulations, water regulations, regulatory practices, and provides a larger environmental health context through briefly outlining international air and water treaties. The Federal law encourages prevention of regional air pollution and encourages control programs. The California pilot program focuses on demonstrating the effectiveness of clean-fuel vehicles in ozone nonattainment areas. Alerted citizens and officials about the danger that air pollution poses to public health and pushed Congress to establish and continually update the current regulations for controlling air pollution. Under the Clean Air Act, states are required to submit a state implementation plan, which explains how the area will comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards in nonattainment areas. Health issues, such as stress related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and lost productivity, are also associated with noise pollution.
