Pollution of this air poses one of the most pervasive environmental health problems in the United States. Air pollution has been shown to contribute to headaches, congested sinuses, irritability, coughing, eye irritation, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It also can cause long-term health problems including lung diseases, bronchial asthma, cancer, and neurological disorders. Anyone can be affected by air pollution. Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people suffering from heart, lung, or respiratory diseases are more susceptible to the hazards of air pollution.
Air pollution comes from many different sources.
Stationary, mobile, and natural sources are all found in Oklahoma. EPA has interpreted the data to indicate that the new standards will significantly improve human health. Determinations for compliance with the new standards for all Oklahoma counties will be made in the year 2000. The primary standards protect public health with a margin of safety. These levels were established to protect the health of the most susceptible individuals such as asthmatics, children, elderly, and those with respiratory disorders.