Chapter 27 - Regulation and Regulatory Policies for Lead in Ambient Air

Abstract

Publisher Summary Ambient air lead comprises a significant source for human lead (Pb) exposures and is also a contaminated environmental compartment that arises from lead within waste streams emitted to the atmosphere. The movement of Pb in air has a major impact on how the element is to be effectively regulated. Emissions of Pb into ambient air from vehicles burning leaded gasoline deposited the largest leaded particles close to the exhaust tailpipes, the smaller particles farther away from roadways, and the smallest––that is, submicron particles, extended distances through long-range transport mechanisms. This chapter discusses the U.S. regulation and regulatory policies for lead in ambient air. It further discusses the evolution and implementation of various ambient air Pb controls in countries other than the United States. The historical and regulatory aspects of air Pb controls in other countries and world areas differ in various ways from those in the United States. International controls on air Pb can be broadly divided into actions proposed or implemented for industrialized nations and those for developing countries.