Where should air pollution control be prioritized?

Prioritizing air pollution control at the source is crucial because addressing pollution at its origin drastically reduces the overall amount of pollutants released into the environment. By implementing controls and changes at the source, such as using cleaner technologies, changing processes, and implementing best practices, the emission burden can be minimized right from the beginning rather than trying to manage or mitigate them afterward.

Source controls can effectively prevent pollutants from entering the air altogether, leading to cleaner air quality and resulting in fewer health risks and environmental impacts downstream. It sets the stage for overall better air quality management by ensuring that any potential pollutants are managed before they can affect air quality, rather than relying solely on end-of-pipe solutions, such as those applied at the stack or during industrial or suburban emissions.