McMorsel: What is an "air pollutant"?

The definition is broad!

The definition of “air pollutant” includes “any physical, chemical, biological, radioactive… substance…emitted into…ambient air.” [CAA Section 302(g)/42 U.S.C. 7602(g)] In order to regulate a pollutant, EPA evaluates it to see if it causes harm to human health or public welfare. “All language referring to effects on welfare includes, but is not limited to, effects on soils, water, crops, vegetation, manmade materials, animals, wildlife, weather, visibility, and climate, damage to and deterioration of property, and hazards to transportation, as well as effects on economic values and on personal comfort and well-being.” [CAA Section 302(h)/42 U.S.C. 7602(h)] CAA contains no language restricting these impacts to local effects. Look for other compliance morsels on our website.

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