ABSTRACT
The evidence of high ambient TSP concentrations rising with population and the economy does not, on its own, provide sufficient justification for more vigorous pollution abatement efforts. Pollution abatement is not free, and it is economically justified only if it generates benefits that are at least as great as its costs. Abatement costs are usually reasonably well understood, at least for individual pollution sources, as they typically involve direct expenditures on equipment and personnel. Benefits, on the other hand, almost always relate to nonmarket impacts spread over many individuals, many economic activities, and an extended period of time. Although they may be large in the aggregate, they might nevertheless be unrecognized.
