Air pollution and policy—1952–2002

This review examines the main events, pressures and constraints in the evolution of air quality policy over the past 50 years. At the start of that period, there was little explicit recognition of air quality monitoring, modelling, control or policy; currently, the emphasis is on targets with implementation underpinned by legislation. The European Union and other international organisations exert strong influence. Data collection and information dissemination have had major impacts as has the involvement of stakeholders.