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Air quality regulation

Definition

Air quality regulation refers to the set of laws and policies implemented by governments to monitor, control, and improve the quality of air in a specific region or country. It involves measures such as emission standards for industries, vehicle emissions testing, and restrictions on burning certain materials.

Analogy

Think of air quality regulation like maintaining a clean and organized bedroom. Just as you have rules in place to keep your room tidy and free from clutter, air quality regulations are put in place to ensure that the air we breathe is clean and free from harmful pollutants.

Related terms

Particulate Matter (PM): Particulate matter refers to tiny particles suspended in the air that can be harmful when inhaled. These particles can come from sources such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, or dust.

Ozone Depletion: Ozone depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere due to the release of certain chemicals called ozone-depleting substances (ODS). This depletion allows more ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun to reach the Earth's surface.

Acid Rain: Acid rain is a type of precipitation that has acidic properties due to high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) released into the atmosphere from human activities like burning fossil fuels. It can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, buildings, and human health.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.