Introduction to Laws for Sustainability - UNIT 5B: Hazardous Air Pollutants

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to hazardous air pollutants and environmental regulations.

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Pollutants linked to serious health risks such as cancer, reproductive harm, and birth defects.

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

Regulation initiated by the EPA to address and limit hazardous air pollutants.

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs)

Set by the EPA to limit emissions of HAPs from specific industrial sources.

Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)

Standards that require industries to use the most effective pollution control technologies.

Point Sources

Stationary facilities identifiable by location that emit significant air pollution.

Nonpoint/Area Sources

Small stationary sources of air pollution whose collective emissions are significant.

Mobile Sources

Sources of air pollution that include on-road and non-road vehicles.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

A group of chemicals that can cause health impacts and are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.

Emission Standards

Regulations set by the EPA for pollution control from moving sources like vehicles.

Massachusetts v. EPA (2007)

Supreme Court case that established the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases as air pollutants.

Environmental Justice Issues

Challenges faced by urban and low-income communities with high exposure to pollutants despite overall improvements.

Clean Air Act

Legislation that has led to significant improvements in U.S. air quality since its enactment.