Air toxics. What is the problem and how do we deal with it

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00149a001· OSTI ID:5065831

Berry, D K

A number of inhalable air pollutants have been found likely to cause human cancer. Section 112 of the Clean Air Act requires EPA to protect public health from exposure to these and other hazardous air pollutants. During the past several years, however, state officials, Congress, environmental advocates, and EPA managers have expressed concern about EPA's program for controlling hazardous air pollutants. In August 1983 the General Accounting Office released a report about the delays in EPA's program for regulating hazardous air pollutants. On the basis of that report hearings were held to examine issues connected with the implementation of Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. During discussions that took place within EPA before the hearings, it became clear that the agency had poorly defined the scope and causes of health problems that air toxics cause. Three fundamental questions were raised concerning the magnitude and nature of the health risks: Do air toxics present a significant health problem. If air toxics do pose a significant health problem, what pollutants and sources are responsible. Is there an important part of the national air toxics problem that Section 112 cannot address effectively.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5065831
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 20:7; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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