ABSTRACT
Although some air pollution is generated from natural sources, such as volcanic eruptions, most air pollutants stem from human activities that are concentrated in urban areas. The most common forms of air pollution are carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and ground-level ozone. Although it is difficult to establish a direct causal link between a specific pollutant when it is in the atmosphere and a particular disease or death, many studies have shown that such relationships exist. Motor vehicles are a primary cause of air pollution in the United States and globally. Air pollution regulation in the United States represents both the best and the worst of environmental policy making. One significant problem in implementing air pollution regulations is the acquisition of sufficient and accurate information. Many of the policy and regulatory problems that are associated with toxic air pollution are also present in acid rain concerns.
