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A Short History of Air Pollution

William F. Hunt, Jr.

Introduction

Air Pollution has been around a long time.

Roman philosopher, Seneca, wrote of the heavy air of Rome in 61 AD.

Edward I of England banned the burning of sea coal in craftsmans furnaces beprohibited because of foul smelling fumes, 1306.

Elizabeth I of England banned the burning of coal while Parliament was in session.

Air Pollution Episodes

Meuse Valley (Belgium) - 1930

Donora, PA - 1948

Poza Rica (Mexico) - 1950

London - 1952

New York - 1953 to 1966

Bhopal (India) - 1984

Some Systems of the Human Body Effected

Respiratory

Cardiovascular

Skin and eyes

Other

Examples of Health Effects on Respiratory System

Bronchitis (acute and chronic)

Pulmonary emphysema

Lung cancer

pneumoconiosiscough

chest pain

Examples of Health Effects from Air Toxics

Cancer

Respiratory irritation.

Reproductive toxicity

Developmental effects

Pulmonary toxicity

Liver toxicity

Changes in Society and the EconomyPopulation growth

Industrialization

Growth and distribution of wealth

Changing social attitudes

Environmental activism

Local Control Initiatives

1661 - London, smoke control

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1880s - Chicago and Cincinnati, municipal regulation of smoke emissions

1940s - Pittsburgh, public protest against smoke; changes in fuels, combustion

practices

1980s - Denver, Metropolitan Air Quality Council

State Control Initiatives

1940s - California and LA County study causes and effects of smog1952 - Oregon: first state air pollution control agency

1980s - growth of state air toxic programs

1990s Regional Approaches NOx SIP Call

Federal

Research and studies

Need for National perspective - pollution respects no State borders

USEPA established in 1970

Major Legislative Landmarks

Air Pollution Control Act - 1955

Clean Air Act - 1963

Air Quality Act -1967

Clean Air Act - 1970

Amendments to CAA - 1977

Amendments to CAA - 1990

Clean Air Act of 1970

USEPA

Air Quality Management

NAAQS

SIPs

NESHAP/NSPSCitizen Lawsuits

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977

Nonattainment

PSD

Strengthened mobile source provisions

Visibility/Stratospheric Ozone

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

Major change in approach to attainment/nonattainment

Overhaul ofhazardous air pollutantsMarket based incentives

Enhanced ozone monitoring - PAMS

Criteria Pollutants

Regulated under NAAQS

Ubiquitous

Health-based standards

Standards apply to all States equally

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SIPs

Criteria Pollutants

Particulate Matter

Lead

Sulfur DioxideCarbon Monoxide

Nitrogen Dioxide

Ozone (ground level)

Hazardous Air Pollutants

Any of 189 chemicals and compound groups listed in CAAA of 1990 as hazardous air

pollutants

List can be revised as new substances are found

Some Hazardous Air Pollutants

Asbestos

Benzene

Carbon Tetrachloride

Chlordane

Chloroform

Formaldehyde

Environmental Effects of Air Pollution

Ecosystem effects

Property damage

Quality-of-life effects

Global climate change

Ecosystem Effects

Acidification of lakes and stream

Wildlife

Aquatic life

Population of endangered species

Vegetation Damage (forests, crops, ornamental plants)

Other natural resource damage

Property Damage

Acid rain: damaged buildings, ornamental plants, etc.

Ozone: causes cracking of rubber, nylon, polymer plastics, etc.

Particulate matter: causes soiling

Sulfur dioxide: causes deterioration of metal and stone

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Quality-of-Life Effects

Reduced visibility - acid rain and smog

Reduced enjoyment of outdoors

Added work - cleaning of soiled property

Detrimental economic effects - damaged cash crops

VisibilityInteragency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments Network (IMPROVE)

Visibility Trends

Global Climate Change

Global Temperature Changes, 1880-2000

Global mean surface temperatures have increased 0.5-1.0F since the late 19th

century. The 20th century's 10 warmest years all occurred in the last 15 years of

the century.

UN Reports from theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Temperature Reconstruction

Historical Records

Tree Rings (yr/season)

Lake Sediments (yr)

Corals (yr)

Ice Cores (yr)

Pollen (20 yrs)

Others (100-500 yrs)

UN Reports from theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

2001 UN Report from the IPCC(Wegman Review for U.S. House Committee on

Energy & Commerce)

Mann et al. misused statistical methods.Problem with Peer Review Process.

Researchers not interacting with statistical community.

Authors of policy-related science assessments should not assess their own work.

Should involve interdisciplinary teams.

Air Emissions Trends - Continued Progress Through

2005http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/2006/econ-emissions.htmlModeling Uncertainty

Modeling Uncertainty - Fay - 8-18-08

Modeling Uncertainty - GUSTAV 8/26/08

http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/2006/econ-emissions.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/airtrends/2006/econ-emissions.html