In general, how does the USEPA regulate air pollution to ensure our air is safe?
A. USEPA uses six criteria pollutants as indicators of air quality: ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and lead. For each of these, USEPA has established primary standards to protect public health, and secondary standards to protect other aspects of public welfare, such as preventing materials damage, preventing crop and vegetation damage, or assuring visibility. These standards are called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Geographic areas are then classified as either attainment, if they are in compliance with the NAAQS, or nonattainment if they are in violation of the NAAQS. More information on the NAAQS The Act requires USEPA to regulate emissions of toxic or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from a published list of industrial sources referred to as source categories. USEPA uses a technology based approach to reduce emissions of HAPs and currently regulates 188 HAPs. Sources that emit HAPs may be subject to the Maximum Achie
