What's in air pollution?

According to the EPA, criteria air pollutants are common in the United States, and they injure health, harm the environment, and cause property damage.

I took this photo on 405 South, passing ExxonMobile's refinery. Cringe.

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U.S. EPA has identified six criteria pollutants: Carbon Monoxide Lead Nitrogen Dioxide (one of several Nitrogen Oxides) Ozone (formed from precursor Volatile Organic Compounds) Particulate Matter Sulfur Dioxide In 1997, EPA established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for each criteria pollutant, which define the maximum legally allowable concentration. If the NAAQS for a pollutant is exceeded, adverse effects on human health may occur. Los Angeles and other densely populated cities exceed EPA standards, as much as 60 percent! EPA and state agencies monitor area quality to assess compliance with these standards. Areas of the country where air pollution levels persistently exceed the standards may be designated by the U.S. EPA as nonattainment areas. But what's being done? Over the next few days, or week, I'll take a look at each toxin and how it effects our health.