Air Pollution

–Over half of the United States population lives in areas which have unhealthy levels of either ozone or particle pollution.

–It’s estimated that 81 million Americans live in areas with unhealthful short-term levels of particle pollution and 66 million live in areas with chronically unhealthful levels of particle pollution.

–Air pollution found in large and midsize U.S. cities increases the risk of premature death from lung cancer and heart disease.

–Air pollution contributes to lung disease, which claims close to 341,500 lives in America every year and is the third-leading cause of death in the United States.

–The Environmental Protection Agency ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. Interestingly, five out of 10 Americans are not aware of this fact.

–Levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher (and occasionally 100 times higher) than outdoor levels. (Source: American Lung Association)
•"Primary" standards are designed to establish limits to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.
- "Secondary" standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.