The maxim "dilution is the solution to pollution" was the conceptual tool applied to air pollution for most of the 20th Century. By diluting airborne toxins with sufficient fresh air, the theory goes, their concentration and toxicity can be reduced to the point that they pose no threat to human health or to the environment. It has become clear in this era of global air pollution and climatic change that the dilution theory has its limitations. To reduce air pollution to a level that is sustainable, new strategies must be developed. Learn more about preventing air pollution through the following options: 

Identifying Toxic Air Pollutants 

Choosing Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles 

Preventing Industrial Emissions 

Preventing Ozone Pollution

Protecting the Ozone Layer 

Preventing Acid Precipitation 

Preventing Greenhouse Emissions 

Reducing Particulates 

Improving Indoor Air Quality 

Choosing Cleaner Consumer Products 

Links

EPA Partners for the Environment-- Air Quality Programs

EPA Air Quality Strategies and Standards Division develops national and geographically focused strategies and programs for air quality management based on assessments of health and ecological effects, exposure and risk, and economic impacts and benefits.

Articles and Publications

EPA Office of Air and Radiation offers a list of publications, reports and fact sheets on air pollution prevention and trends in air quality. Online formats include PDF, HTML and streaming multimedia. Titles include:
Clean Air Common Sense Primer
Air Quality Trends Reports
Cookbook for Cleaner Air

Last updated: November 28, 2003

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