Chapter 18, Problem 1CR

To determine

The summary of the story of air pollution in Los Angeles and the major problem created for the whole world.

Answer to Problem 1CR

The air pollution in Los Angeles (LA) increased due to a large number of industries. The emissions created smog in the city. The smog problem still persists in the LA but has reduced to a large extent. The air pollutants released from the industries of the LA pose a major threat to the air quality of the whole world.

Explanation of Solution

The air quality of the LA was poorest in the world in 1950. Steel and chemical industries, oil factories, and incinerators produced a lot of smoke and chemicals, leading to smog. The city grew fast and pollution too. In 1947, the leaders put their attention to this concern and established the first air pollution control district in the nation. The scientists found that the emissions  of the vehicles with the sunlight are generating photochemical smog.

The parents started keeping their child at home on bad air days, and the events used to be canceled too. By 1960, citizens protested and asked for the control devices in vehicles. The government dragged the vehicle companies to the court for delaying the pollution control technology in the vehicles. The government then passed U.S. Congress to pass the Clean Air Act  of 1970. LA has reduced the emissions of the soot particles by half since 2000. LA has made huge progress in pollution control but the problem still persists.

The emissions of the pollutants in the atmosphere spread to the nearby areas and the problem spreads to the nearby areas too. The emissions of one place can cause acid rain in the nearby areas too. The emission of the LA may cause global warming. These effects of air pollution are a threat to the whole world, not just one city or country.