CLEAN AIR ACT

(CAA)
Introduction & Definition of Terms

Edgar Paul P. Magbanua

 What is CAA?

Clean Air Act (CAA) is a comprehensive federal law

that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile
sources. Among other things, this law authorizes United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public
health and public welfare and to regulate emissions of
hazardous air pollutants.
 Republic Act No. 8749
(Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999)
Outlines the governments measures to reduce air
pollution and incorporate environmental protection into
its development plans. It relies heavily on the polluter
pays principle and other market-based instruments to
promote self-regulation among the population.
Acid rain a complex chemical and atmospheric phenomenon that
occurs when emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds and other
substances are transformed by chemical processes in the atmosphere,
often far from the original sources, and then deposited on earth in
either wet or dry form..

Alternative fuels fuels that can replace ordinary gasoline such

as compressed natural gas, alcohols, LPG, and electricity.

Attainment area a geographic area in which levels of a criteria

air pollutant meet the health-based primary standard (National
Ambient Air Quality Standards) for the pollutant.
Carbon monoxide (CO) a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas
produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels including
gasoline, oil and wood.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) organic compounds that contain

carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, produced as a volatile derivative of
methane and ethane. Great quantities are used in refrigeration and air
conditioning, and in consumer products.

Clean fuels low pollution fuels that can replace ordinary gasoline.
These are alternative fuels, including gasohol (gasoline-alcohol
mixtures), natural gas and LPG.
Combustion is a chemical process in which a substance reacts
rapidly with oxygen and gives off heat.

Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

machines which measure, on a continuous basis, pollutants
released by a source.

Control technology, control measures equipment,

processes or actions used to reduce air pollution.

Criteria air pollutants common air pollutants for which

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) have been
established.
Curtailment programs restrictions on operation of fireplaces
and woodstoves in areas where these home heat sources make major
contribution to pollution.

Emission release of pollutants into the air from a source.

Enforcement the legal methods used to make polluters obey the
CAA. Enforcement methods include citations of polluters for violations
of the law, fines and even jail terms.

Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) air pollutants that are not

regulated by ambient air quality standards but which may present a
threat of adverse human health or environmental effects.
Inspection and maintenance program (I/M Program) periodic
inspection or auto inspection programs required for some polluted areas.
Usually done once a year or once every two years, check whether a car is
being maintained to keep pollution down and whether emission control
systems are working properly.

International air pollution air pollution which moves across national

borders.

Interstate air pollution air pollution which travels over state lines.
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are product safety information
sheets prepared by manufacturers and marketers of products containing toxic
chemicals.
Mobile sources non-stationary sources of air pollution,
including vehicles.

Monitoring (monitor) measurement of air pollution. Air

quality monitoring is performed using specialized equipment and
analytical methods used to establish air pollutant concentrations.
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