In 1964, at the urging of the new Control Board, California decreed that cars sold in the state must be equipped with smog controls. Over the past 50 years, the Southland has made tremendous progress. We have the cleanest cars, industries and consumer products in the world. But even today we still breathe the nation's dirtiest air. We all can help by making simple lifestyle changes at home, like buying less polluting products and ridesharing.
Air filters start out clean and soon are covered with soot and dust.
Researchers link these small particles to respiratory disease and cancer. AQMD helps kids play it safe on smoggy days with toll-free air quality information. Consider buying an electric lawn mower when you replace an old one. Fire up your barbecue briquettes in a different way. Try an electric probe or chimney starter.