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. Think high-fuel efficiency and low emissions. Don't top off the gas tank. Photos were reprinted with permission from Ken Lubas, Kathleen Campbell, The Press Enterprise, National Archives, Los Angeles Times, Clayton Industries, and the L.A. Times Collection, Department of Special Collections, at UCLA Library.