Emissions is the term used to describe the gases and particles put into the air by a variety of sources, including factories, power plants, motor vehicles, airplanes and natural sources such as trees and vegetation. These emissions can pose health risks and contribute to air pollution, global warming and the destruction of the ozone layer. Under the auspices of the Clean Air Act and its amendments, the EPA measures, evaluates and reports emissions data with the goal of improving air quality. The EPA also plays an important role in researching new methods of assessing the impact of air pollution emissions on the environment and developing new ways to curb these emissions.
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