"EPA Cracks Down on Pollution Spikes Near Roads"

"The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that it would control -- for the first time -- short-lived spikes of an air pollutant common along major roads and linked to respiratory problems.

The new national standard sets a one-hour limit for nitrogen dioxide, a gas created by emissions from automobiles, factories and coal-fired power plants that peaks along highways and near cities.

Along with the new limit, the EPA is also requiring at least 40 new monitors in cities and along roads to pinpoint which areas would violate the new standard."

Dina Cappiello reports for the Associated Press January 25, 2010.