Air Quality
Last modified Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:06
The Clean Air Act (CAA) is a federal law designed to protect air quality in the United States. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) established limits on how much of a pollutant can be in the air anywhere in the US. These limits are referred to as National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and are set for six ambient air pollutants: ozone, lead, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. Areas exceeding the NAAQS are referred to as nonattainment areas. Individual states must develop plans to reduce air pollution to acceptable levels in the timeframe prescribed by the CAA. These air quality plans are referred to as the State Implementation Plans (SIP). For more information on the CAA, read the Plain English Guide to the CAA, published by the US EPA.
Atlanta region is in nonattainment for ground level ozone and fine particulate matter.
Video: "Clearing the Air" October 2006
This episode - "Clearing the Air" - explores the current state of the region's air quality, defines the various types of pollution, profiles efforts to improve air quality and showcases specific programs that employers and commuters can take to adopt a Clean Air Lifestyle.
View this episode now: 
Windows Media Player
For additional information or questions related to air quality, contact us at 404.463.0067.
