Learn the Issues: Air
An important component of EPA’s mission is to protect and improve air quality in order to avoid or mitigate the consequences of air pollution’s harmful effects. Air pollution can adversely affect critical functions of the atmosphere in many ways.
Air Pollution
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six common air pollutants. These air pollutants are found all over the United States.
- Six Common Air Pollutants - Ground Level Ozone, Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Dioxide, Lead
- More About Ozone
- Toxic Air Pollutants
- Visibility
What you can do:
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and certain synthetic chemicals, trap some of the Earth's outgoing energy, thus retaining heat in the atmosphere.
- Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
- Reducing Emissions
- Greenhouse Gas Data
- Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
What you can do:
Indoor Air: Health and Safety
How you address air pollution in your home can have a big effect on the environment and on you and your family's health.
- An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
- A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home
- What is Asthma?
- Smoke-free Homes and Cars
What you can do:
Acid Rain
"Acid rain" is a broad term referring to a mixture of wet and dry deposition, with higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. Acid deposition is caused when these two pollutants are released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned.
- Effects of Acid Rain to Surface Waters
- What is Acid Rain?
- Effects of Acid Rain to Forests
- Acid Rain Program 2009 Progress Reports
What you can do:
Top Questions: Air
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International and Partnership Programs