In 1998, Connecticut initiated a new federal program to measure very small particulate matter which was determined to be a more appropriate indicator of health based effects. Connecticut is also developing plans which include programs such as cleaner fuels and engines to reduce ambient levels of particulate matter. Many precursors and components of the criteria pollutants potentially could have toxic or adverse health effects. Connecticut recognized this was an issue in the early 1980's and, in 1986, adopted and began implementing the most comprehensive regulation controlling toxic air emissions in the United States at the time. This document describes some of the programs that are responsible for reductions of toxic air pollutants in Connecticut.
Effort is now underway to revisit the air toxics issue using updated information.