How are criteria pollutants regulated according to the Clean Air Act?

Under the Clean Air Act, criteria pollutants are regulated based on health and environmental standards to protect public health and the environment. This regulation process involves identifying specific pollutants that pose a threat to human health and welfare, which includes factors like respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and ecological harm.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for these criteria pollutants, which include substances such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. The standards are set with the intention of providing adequate protection for the most susceptible populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

This health-based approach focuses on scientific research and data regarding the effects of these pollutants, allowing for regulatory measures that aim to reduce their concentrations in the atmosphere. Economic or industrial considerations do not dictate how these pollutants are regulated, as the primary goal is to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all. Additionally, public opinion might influence regulations indirectly but is not the foundation of the criteria by which these pollutants are assessed and controlled.