Clean Air and Public Health Summary

Introduction

• Discussion on clean air and public health impact.

Objectives

• Describe major types of air pollution and health impacts.

• Contrast historic and current air pollution levels.

• Explain policies for air pollution mitigation.

• Compare indoor and outdoor air pollution effects.

Air Pollutants

• EPA Role: Enforces Clean Air Act, establishes criteria air pollutants.

• Six Criteria Air Pollutants:

  • Sulfur dioxide

  • Nitrogen dioxide

  • Carbon monoxide

  • Particulate matter

  • Ground-level ozone

  • Lead (removed from gasoline in 1996)

Health Effects of Air Pollution

• Negative health impacts linked to each of the six criteria pollutants.

• Need to identify pollution sources.

Sources of Pollution

• Natural: Lightning, volcanoes, wildfires.

• Anthropogenic: Farming, transportation, industrial activities contribute significantly to pollutants.

Global Impact

• Over 7 million annual deaths from outdoor and indoor air pollution (WHO).

• U.S. generally less affected than other regions.

Clean Air Act

• Established in 1970; amended three times for evolving air quality needs.

• Aims to control harmful air pollutants, resulting in improved public health.

• Gross Domestic Product increased while emissions decreased by 71% over 30 years.

• Model for other countries in air quality regulation.

Indoor Air Quality

• Affected by household activities, appliances, and building materials.

Interventions for Clean Air

• Strategies range from low-cost options to significant energy changes.

• Effective interventions include reducing sulfur and diesel emissions, upgrading transportation, and using renewable energy.