ABSTRACT

Clean air is necessary for safe and healthy living. We as individuals and as a nation must further reduce or control present air pollution and eliminate the potential for future air pollutants. Increases in population, industrialization, urbanization, mobility, and consumption of products must be offset by further effective research, application of air pollution control devices, and increased citizen concern to provide a healthier and cleaner environment for ourselves and our children. Air pollution impairs health by affecting otherwise healthy people, as well as individuals with chronic diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma; and by possibly leading to lung cancer. Air pollution irritates the throat, makes eyes water, and causes headaches. Air pollution reduces visibility, spoils scenic areas, makes driving hazardous, soils clothing, deteriorates house paints and metals, dirties monuments and public buildings, and costs billions of dollars per year. Although many large particulates have been brought under control in the United States, gases and smaller particulates are still of concern.