The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act

Why should you be concerned about air pollution? Air pollution can make you sick. It can cause burning eyes and nose and an itchy, irritated throat, as well as trouble in breathing. Some chemicals found in polluted air cause cancer, birth defects, brain and nerve damage and long-term injury to the lungs and breathing passages. Some air pollutants are so dangerous that accidental releases can cause serious injury or even death. The Clean Air Act will improve air quality in the United States, a good thing for your health, your property and the environment. We have prepared this summary of the 1990 version of the Clean Air Act because we think everyone should understand what is in the law and how it may effect them.