Regulators and Industry Join Forces Against Dirty Air

Jan. 19, 2000
Some large U.S. companies have merged with the government to create a new air pollution research program.

Some of the nation's largest companies, including Ford and Exxon, have come together with the government to create a new air pollution research program called the National Environmental Respiratory Center (NERC).

Located at the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute (LRRI) in Albuquerque, N.M., this research and information center concentrates on how the large number of different particles, gases and vapors in the air work together to affect public health.

Air pollution is an ever-changing mixture of many contaminants from many natural and manmade sources, despite the fact that air pollution research, debates, and regulations have historically focused on one pollutant or source at a time.

"Nobody ever breathed only one pollutant at a time, and it's a good bet that the health effects associated with dirty air can never really be understood by studying one pollutant at time, said Dr. Joe Mauderly, NERCE director and air pollution scientist.

In 1998, Congress designated NERC in the EPA budget, reflecting frustration over the large scientific uncertainties revealed during debate of the recent new standards for ozone and airborne particles.

Other federal agencies and some states have also recognized the problem and appear ready to join in the effort.

"Debates about air pollutants and their sources tend to occur in a one-at-a-time, 'revolving door' pattern, so research has also been conducted in this manner," explained Mauderly. "Until now, there was no serious effort to get our hands around the real problem."

"Air quality is an emotional issue," said Dr. Robert Rubin, president of LRRI, the country's only independent, nonprofit research group focused entirely on respiratory diseases and lung health risks. "Research that will bring better facts to the table and enable regulation to be based on sound research is very important to the respiratory health of the nation."

The new alliance among independent researchers, government and industry is working to reveal the effects of complex pollutant mixtures, including some contaminants for which no regulations exist.

The first group of complex pollutant atmospheres to be studied over the next few years include: engine and power plant emissions; wood and tobacco smoke; cooking fumes, and road dust.

If the strategy is successful, it will be expanded to include other pollutants, such as pollens and other natural materials that are not emitted by any source but result from reactions in the air.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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