Adverse health affects range from mild eye irritation to death and birth defects.
Because of all these deleterious effects, the United States has been progressively expanding its efforts to control pollution since the first city smoke control ordinances were passed in 1881. Recently, however, enforcement has lagged because of congressional resistance. However, Americans seem very reluctant to reduce their energy consumption patterns without rigorous encouragement or enforcement, which rapidly becomes a 'freedom' oriented issue perceived to be at odds with national priorities and important personal rights. Consequently, legislation that directly controls people's consumption patterns is politically unrealistic prior to a major shift in pubic attitudes as well as potentially unconstitutional. This site explores the issues through cause and effect.