Air Quality

Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to protect and enhance the quality of the nation's air, and protect Americans from the harmful effects of air pollution. EPA sets air quality standards for six key air pollutants that have been linked to a variety of adverse health effects, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death in individuals with other health problems. EPA also implements numerous programs to limit emissions of the six key air pollutants, as well as toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases, from a variety of stationary sources such as power plants, and mobile sources, such as motor vehicles.