Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What does the Clean Air Act primarily focus on?

1. Regulating safe drinking water

2. Monitoring hazardous waste

3. Controlling air pollution

4. Ensuring chemical safety

The correct answer is: Controlling air pollution

The Clean Air Act primarily focuses on controlling air pollution by setting and enforcing standards to protect air quality in the United States. The legislation aims to reduce airborne contaminants that can harm public health and the environment. It empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate emissions from various sources, including industrial facilities, vehicles, and other contributors to air pollution. The act encompasses provisions for monitoring air quality, establishing national ambient air quality standards, and addressing specific pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. In contrast, other legislative acts address different areas of environmental and public health. For instance, regulating safe drinking water is governed by the Safe Drinking Water Act, while monitoring hazardous waste relates to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Chemical safety is primarily overseen by the Toxic Substances Control Act. Each of these acts serves a distinct purpose, which is why they are not the correct focus regarding the Clean Air Act.