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Exploring the history of Air Quality Legislation, from King Edward I's 1306 sea-coal burning ban to the Great London Smog of 1952, which led to the UK's Clean Air Act. The text delves into key developments in the UK and US, including the establishment of the EPA and the introduction of NAAQS. It highlights the impact of these laws on public health, environmental protection, and technological innovation.
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Air quality legislation can be traced back to medieval times, with one of the earliest recorded instances being King Edward I of England's prohibition of sea-coal burning in 1306
Burning of Coal
The dramatic increase in the burning of coal for industrial purposes during the Industrial Revolution led to severe air pollution issues
Great London Smog of 1952
The catastrophic Great London Smog of 1952 served as a catalyst for contemporary air quality legislation
The evolution of air quality legislation is characterized by key developments such as the Public Health Act of 1875, the Clean Air Act of 1956, and the Clean Air Act of 1970
The Clean Air Acts of 1956, 1968, and 1993 were instrumental in reducing urban air pollution in the UK through regulations on burning coal and controlling industrial emissions
The 1961 National Air Quality Legislation Survey in the UK revealed the extent of air pollution as a national concern and led to the enactment of the Clean Air Act of 1970
Air quality legislation in the UK has had a positive impact on public health by reducing exposure to harmful pollutants and on the environment by decreasing acid rain and preserving natural ecosystems
The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 was the first piece of national legislation in the US aimed at researching air pollution
Environmental Protection Agency
The Clean Air Act of 1970 established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce air quality regulations in the US
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Clean Air Act of 1970 introduced National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to regulate air pollution levels in the US
The Clean Air Act in the US has undergone significant revisions, including the 1990 amendments which introduced measures to address acid rain, toxic emissions, and ozone depletion