Clean Air Research
Questions
1. Can air pollution harm only lungs?
Decades of research have led scientists to understand the links between air pollution and serious health effects. Although early research focused on health effects to the lungs, recent research has revealed that the air we breathe may contain contaminants that are harmful to other organs such as the heart and brain or biological systems. Evidence from new research links air pollution to cardiovascular disease and even death.
EPA research continues to investigate the many health effects that can result from exposure to air pollution. Science produced the Clean Air Research Program provides the foundation for much of our knowledge about the health outcomes of air pollutants, particularly ozone, PM, and other common air pollutants.
2. Why study indoor air quality?
Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors where pollutant levels can frequently exceed those found outdoors. This is because indoor air can include outdoor pollutants that seep inside as well as pollutants from indoor sources. These high levels of pollutants can cause a variety of health effects, including respiratory health problems and worsening of asthma.
EPA conducts research on indoor air quality to:
- Understand indoor sources and the penetration of outdoor pollutants indoors
- Determine exposures and health risks to common indoor pollutants
- Develop prevention and mitigation strategies
3. Where is air pollution monitored?
Air quality monitoring networks are located across the United States to provide the critical information necessary to develop and implement air quality regulations and policies. EPA scientists conduct studies to develop methods to support monitoring networks. Instruments for sample collection or for standard monitoring are also developed or evaluated for widespread use.
These monitoring networks also provide data used on the AIRNow 
website that provides daily air quality forecasts and real-time air quality maps.