Air

Anything related to air quality, air pollution, or the atmosphere

Some States Win, Some Lose with Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs

Compact fluorescent lighting reduces energy use, but what's the trade-off in mercury exposure via broken bulbs and disposal? Now a team of Yale scientists has estimated where there will be a net increase or decrease in mercury emissions.

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EPA Updating Science for SO2

After recently issuing highly controversial updates for two of the main criteria air pollutants — fine particulates and ozone — EPA is in the midst of its review of two others.

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New GAO Report Suggests EPA Doesn't Have a Clue on CAFO Toxics

A Congressional watchdog is saying efforts to exempt feedlot air emissions from standard EPA toxics reporting are based on little or no information.

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Ozone Forecasts Can Help Reduce Health Problems

As of Oct. 2, 2007, NOAA and EPA are making daily local forecasts of ground level ozone for the entire contiguous U.S. The latest upgrade adds forecast information for 11 Western states, and improves forecasting for 6 others.

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Revised Ozone Standard Due by March 12, 2008

EPA is scheduled to announce by March 12, 2008, its final rule for a new ground-level ozone standard, last updated more than a decade ago.

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The Really Big Ozone Story: Plants With Asthma

Most news about ground-level ozone pollution focuses on its considerable impacts to human health. But there may be a far broader and potentially bigger story: Ground-level ozone pollution significantly impairs plants' ability to absorb CO2 - which in turn exacerbates climate change, reduces agricultural yields (think: food shortages), and damages ecosystems.

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EPA To Release Proposed Lead Standard Soon

Hot on the heels of the announcement of EPA's controversial revised ground-level ozone standard, the agency is required by court order to release its proposal for a revised airborne lead standard no later than May 1, 2008. A final rule is required by Sept. 1, 2008.

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