Hazardous Air Pollutants
HAPsair toxics
Also called air toxics. A group of 187+ chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, or other serious health problems—regulated separately from criteria pollutants.
Related terms
Criteria Pollutants The six common air pollutants regulated under NAAQS: ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. National Air Toxics Assessment An ongoing EPA review estimating where Americans are exposed to hazardous air pollutants and what cancer and respiratory risks result. Environmental Protection Agency The U.S. federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing pollution standards for air, water, and soil, and for regulating hazardous chemicals.