What is the primary concern of the EPA regarding air pollutants?

The primary concern of the EPA regarding air pollutants centers on health impacts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with protecting human health and the environment, ensuring that air quality meets established standards to safeguard public health. Exposure to air pollutants can lead to a variety of health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other serious conditions. The agency focuses on monitoring and regulating pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and sulfur dioxide, as these have well-documented adverse effects on human health.

While economic growth, climate change, and energy production are all relevant to discussions about environmental policy and regulations, they are secondary to the EPA's fundamental mission of ensuring clean air for the protection of public health. This focus is informed by the extensive research linking air quality to health outcomes, which remains a top priority for the agency in its regulatory efforts.