Air Pollution Foundation Final Report 1961
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As spelled out in the first brochure issued by the Foundation's Board of Trustees in late 1953, the "sole reason for the existence of the Air Pollution Foundation is to shorten the time it will take to eliminate smog." We believe we have accomplished this task. We have helped supply the facts that the only remaining cause of Los Angeles smog is motor vehicle exhaust.
As spelled out in the first brochure issued by the Foundation's Board of Trustees in late 1953, the "sole reason for the existence of the Air Pollution Foundation is to shorten the time it will take to eliminate smog." We believe we have accomplished this task. We have helped supply the facts that the only remaining cause of Los Angeles smog is motor vehicle exhaust.
This report is primarily a history of the Foundation and its accomplishments.
This report is primarily a history of the Foundation and its accomplishments.
We have been instrumental in getting private industry to develop suitable exhaust control devices and in convincing California's legislators of the need for a state-wide motor vehicle pollution control law. But the final report on smog will not be written until adequate exhaust control will have become a reality.
We have been instrumental in getting private industry to develop suitable exhaust control devices and in convincing California's legislators of the need for a state-wide motor vehicle pollution control law. But the final report on smog will not be written until adequate exhaust control will have become a reality.
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Some industrial opposition to the bill (proposing the APCD) developed and, for a time, threatened its passage. However, after a meeting ... with industry officials, opposition was withdrawn and the bill was passed.
Some industrial opposition to the bill (proposing the APCD) developed and, for a time, threatened its passage. However, after a meeting ... with industry officials, opposition was withdrawn and the bill was passed.
By 1940 periods of polluted air were becoming noticeable more frequently and with greater intensity. By this time the population of the Los Angeles Basin … had reached nearly 3 million. But with the onset of World War II, more pressing problems arose, and air pollution problems were subordinated to the war effort. During this period, however, widespread complaints concerning atmospheric eye irritation became common.
By 1940 periods of polluted air were becoming noticeable more frequently and with greater intensity. By this time the population of the Los Angeles Basin … had reached nearly 3 million. But with the onset of World War II, more pressing problems arose, and air pollution problems were subordinated to the war effort. During this period, however, widespread complaints concerning atmospheric eye irritation became common.
-- The Beginnings of Smog
-- The Beginnings of Smog
Early 1940s more and more eye-irritating smog. 1944 crop damage.
Early 1940s more and more eye-irritating smog. 1944 crop damage.
-- Early Control Activity
-- Early Control Activity
In 1945 Stephen W. Royce, president and manager of the Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, asked Gen. Amos Thomas to join his staff to find out what smog was and what could be done about it. LA Times brought Prof. Raymond Tucker who had spearheaded the St. Louis cleanup to Los Angeles for a study that required several weeks.
In 1945 Stephen W. Royce, president and manager of the Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, asked Gen. Amos Thomas to join his staff to find out what smog was and what could be done about it. LA Times brought Prof. Raymond Tucker who had spearheaded the St. Louis cleanup to Los Angeles for a study that required several weeks.
Board of Supervisors LA County appointed the County Health Officer its Director of Air Pollution Control... The City of Los Angeles also set up a Bureau of Air Pollution Control in the City Health Department.
Board of Supervisors LA County appointed the County Health Officer its Director of Air Pollution Control... The City of Los Angeles also set up a Bureau of Air Pollution Control in the City Health Department.
By the spring of 1946, it became apparent that an all-embracing air pollution control district was preferable to the nonuniform codes of many municipalities and the county.
By the spring of 1946, it became apparent that an all-embracing air pollution control district was preferable to the nonuniform codes of many municipalities and the county.
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Considerable venom was directed toward petroleum refiners, who had yet to live down their short-lived opposition to the passage of the law setting up the APCD. Refineries were accused of dumping pollutants into the atmosphere under the black of nigth: the APCD was accused of not enforcing the law.
Considerable venom was directed toward petroleum refiners, who had yet to live down their short-lived opposition to the passage of the law setting up the APCD. Refineries were accused of dumping pollutants into the atmosphere under the black of nigth: the APCD was accused of not enforcing the law.
"Letters to the Editor" by the overzealous, by fanatics
"Letters to the Editor" by the overzealous, by fanatics
By the fall of 1953, charges and countercharges reached a crescendo ... It was suggested that unless the smog problem could be solved, "parts of Southern California may have to be evacuated."
By the fall of 1953, charges and countercharges reached a crescendo ... It was suggested that unless the smog problem could be solved, "parts of Southern California may have to be evacuated."
-- The Air Pollution Control District
-- The Air Pollution Control District
(APCD) activated on October 14, 1947
(APCD) activated on October 14, 1947
During the next six years, a great deal of progress was made in controlling industrial effluents, but in spite of this, smog conditions became worse.
During the next six years, a great deal of progress was made in controlling industrial effluents, but in spite of this, smog conditions became worse.
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A five-day siege of smog in late October and early November brought the confusion to a head. The vice-mayor of Pasadena said the city "may sue all Southern California oil refineries." He also asked the Governor to declare Southern California an emergency and to quarantine every producer of air pollutants causing smog.
A five-day siege of smog in late October and early November brought the confusion to a head. The vice-mayor of Pasadena said the city "may sue all Southern California oil refineries." He also asked the Governor to declare Southern California an emergency and to quarantine every producer of air pollutants causing smog.
On the fifth day of the smog siege, downtown office workers were reported to have "walked off the job in droves." The acting postmaster complained that the smog was making it difficult for him to breathe and was reported to have collapsed at his desk. A prominent physician said that anyone who could get out of town should do so at once.
On the fifth day of the smog siege, downtown office workers were reported to have "walked off the job in droves." The acting postmaster complained that the smog was making it difficult for him to breathe and was reported to have collapsed at his desk. A prominent physician said that anyone who could get out of town should do so at once.
-- The Air Pollution Foundation is Formed
-- The Air Pollution Foundation is Formed
It was in this environment that the Air Pollution Foundation was organized. Agreement to organize was reached at a meeting of more than 75 businessmen, industrialists, civic leaders, churchmen and government officials at the Ambassador Hotel on November 2, 1953.
It was in this environment that the Air Pollution Foundation was organized. Agreement to organize was reached at a meeting of more than 75 businessmen, industrialists, civic leaders, churchmen and government officials at the Ambassador Hotel on November 2, 1953.
Foundation offiically incorporated November 16 1953
Foundation offiically incorporated November 16 1953
Chairman of the meeting, Asa V. Call, president of Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co, said: "As of today, smog is the most serious matter that faces the area (Southern California). A number of groups have been going in different directions. Maybe they can be controlled and maybe they can't ... This shoudl be a program carried out over a period of several years without fear or favor. If we can come up with the answer and somebody gets hurt, that's too bad. If no one gets hurt, so much the better."
Chairman of the meeting, Asa V. Call, president of Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co, said: "As of today, smog is the most serious matter that faces the area (Southern California). A number of groups have been going in different directions. Maybe they can be controlled and maybe they can't ... This shoudl be a program carried out over a period of several years without fear or favor. If we can come up with the answer and somebody gets hurt, that's too bad. If no one gets hurt, so much the better."
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A research committee, headed by Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, president of California Institute of Technology, worked closely with the scientific team of the Foundation in developing the research program.
A research committee, headed by Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, president of California Institute of Technology, worked closely with the scientific team of the Foundation in developing the research program.
1954: FOUNDATION RESEARCH PROGRAM INITIATED
1954: FOUNDATION RESEARCH PROGRAM INITIATED
... from its inception, the Foundation was committed to "impartial fact-finding, without fear or favor. Let the chips fall where they may." This admonition was so strong that no contributor ever asked the Foundation's staff to alter or soft-pedal any of its conclusions or to direct its research activities away from sensitive areas. There were no sacred cows."
... from its inception, the Foundation was committed to "impartial fact-finding, without fear or favor. Let the chips fall where they may." This admonition was so strong that no contributor ever asked the Foundation's staff to alter or soft-pedal any of its conclusions or to direct its research activities away from sensitive areas. There were no sacred cows."
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“A major portion of the carbon dioxide in our air derives from fossil fuels, i.e., petroleum”
“A major portion of the carbon dioxide in our air derives from fossil fuels, i.e., petroleum”
-- Importance of Automobile Exhaust
-- Importance of Automobile Exhaust
-- Dr Hitchcock Resigns
-- Dr Hitchcock Resigns
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-- Controversies with the Los Angeles County APCD
-- Controversies with the Los Angeles County APCD
During the budget hearings before the Board, the Foundation was accused of bias, self-interest, and of being "an oil company-supported institution."
During the budget hearings before the Board, the Foundation was accused of bias, self-interest, and of being "an oil company-supported institution."
Oct 1958: APF opposed APCD’s proposed Rule 62 aimed at reducing SO2 pollution by limiting the burning of fuel oil between May 1 and October 1 of any year. "Hearings were marred by a high emotional pitch, missstatments, half-truths, and a general aura of confusion. As a consequence, the APF recommended to the BOS that the hearings be recessed until January, 1959, to allow the APF to study available data and to prepare a factual report on the subject."
Oct 1958: APF opposed APCD’s proposed Rule 62 aimed at reducing SO2 pollution by limiting the burning of fuel oil between May 1 and October 1 of any year. "Hearings were marred by a high emotional pitch, missstatments, half-truths, and a general aura of confusion. As a consequence, the APF recommended to the BOS that the hearings be recessed until January, 1959, to allow the APF to study available data and to prepare a factual report on the subject."
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The increasing activity of the Federal Government was one factor that contributed to the slackening of general activities on the part of the Foundation and concentration on the motor vehicle exhaust problem. As Federal research projects increased, the Foundaiton could focus its attention almost completely on the unique factors of Los Angeles smog.
The increasing activity of the Federal Government was one factor that contributed to the slackening of general activities on the part of the Foundation and concentration on the motor vehicle exhaust problem. As Federal research projects increased, the Foundaiton could focus its attention almost completely on the unique factors of Los Angeles smog.
The Federal Government entered the air pollution scene on a large scale with the passage of Public Law 159 in 1955. The law directed the U.S. Public Health Service to conduct and support research on air pollution and to provide technical services to state and local governments and to private agencies. Authorization was granted for appropriation of funds up to $25 million over a five-year period.
The Federal Government entered the air pollution scene on a large scale with the passage of Public Law 159 in 1955. The law directed the U.S. Public Health Service to conduct and support research on air pollution and to provide technical services to state and local governments and to private agencies. Authorization was granted for appropriation of funds up to $25 million over a five-year period.
Federal Government Activities
Federal Government Activities
APF evaluated all pertinent literature on LA smog and District data on emissions of contaminant from fuel-oil burning and data on the atmospheric concentrations of sulfur dioxide 1953-1958. Also engaged SRI to evaluate District data on vegetation damage. APF’s report submitted to the Board of Supervisors “showed there was no scientific basis for Rule 62.” “Obviously, there must have been political reasons for the rule.”
APF evaluated all pertinent literature on LA smog and District data on emissions of contaminant from fuel-oil burning and data on the atmospheric concentrations of sulfur dioxide 1953-1958. Also engaged SRI to evaluate District data on vegetation damage. APF’s report submitted to the Board of Supervisors “showed there was no scientific basis for Rule 62.” “Obviously, there must have been political reasons for the rule.”
In November, 1958, the U.S. PHS sponsored a Nat. Conf. on Air Pollution in Wash. D.C. Purpose of the conference was to assess the atmospheric pollution problem in the United States in all its social, political, and scientific aspects. The proceedings of the conference were published ... it still serves as an excellent resume of the state of our knowledge of air pollution matters as of that date.
In November, 1958, the U.S. PHS sponsored a Nat. Conf. on Air Pollution in Wash. D.C. Purpose of the conference was to assess the atmospheric pollution problem in the United States in all its social, political, and scientific aspects. The proceedings of the conference were published ... it still serves as an excellent resume of the state of our knowledge of air pollution matters as of that date.
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At the end of 1958, we estimated that two more years of work by the Foundation would complete the basic research phase of the Los Angeles smog problem.
At the end of 1958, we estimated that two more years of work by the Foundation would complete the basic research phase of the Los Angeles smog problem.
Legislative Advances - Control of motor vehicle exhaust was a bigger problem than could be handled at the county level so LA pollution air officials and State legislators took their case to Sacramento
Legislative Advances - Control of motor vehicle exhaust was a bigger problem than could be handled at the county level so LA pollution air officials and State legislators took their case to Sacramento
1959: STATE ATTACKS AUTO EXHAUST PROBLEM
1959: STATE ATTACKS AUTO EXHAUST PROBLEM
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Requests for "The Air Pollution Problem - An Appraisal," by W. L. Faith, Managing Director of APF "were so many that 50,000 copies were eventually printed."
Requests for "The Air Pollution Problem - An Appraisal," by W. L. Faith, Managing Director of APF "were so many that 50,000 copies were eventually printed."
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In the meantime, there will be concentrated efforts to reduce even further the remaining emissions from stationary sources. Some of the proposals will undoubtedly be capricious if one is to judge from recent Rules 62 and 63.
In the meantime, there will be concentrated efforts to reduce even further the remaining emissions from stationary sources. Some of the proposals will undoubtedly be capricious if one is to judge from recent Rules 62 and 63.
The one difficult problem to be overcome not only in Los Angeles, but elsewhere, is the hiatus in our knowledge relating human health to air contaminants. This can be solved only by research, and probably research at the Federal level or supported largely with Federal funds. The misguided hypochondriacs who sieze every opportunity to harass the economy by shouting for more control of everything (but without evidence of need) are doing themselves a disservice.
The one difficult problem to be overcome not only in Los Angeles, but elsewhere, is the hiatus in our knowledge relating human health to air contaminants. This can be solved only by research, and probably research at the Federal level or supported largely with Federal funds. The misguided hypochondriacs who sieze every opportunity to harass the economy by shouting for more control of everything (but without evidence of need) are doing themselves a disservice.
Now that the cause of eye-irritating smog (motor vehicle exhaust) is known, and the State of California has set up means for its control, what does the future hold for LA? Will the State Board do a thorough job and require control devices on all motor vehicles, or will so many exemptions be made that smog will be only slightly alleviated?
Now that the cause of eye-irritating smog (motor vehicle exhaust) is known, and the State of California has set up means for its control, what does the future hold for LA? Will the State Board do a thorough job and require control devices on all motor vehicles, or will so many exemptions be made that smog will be only slightly alleviated?
If all goes as expected, the area should be truly "smog-free" by the summer of 1968.
If all goes as expected, the area should be truly "smog-free" by the summer of 1968.
1961: DISSOLUTION - AND BEYOND
1961: DISSOLUTION - AND BEYOND
This problem of more and more control based on suspicion or a supposed need to show official concern poses economic problems that can only result in great harm to the community if officials fail to consider economics. One can make air over LA as "pure" as that over the High Sierras, but in so-doing the community could be destroyed. On the other hand, one can have reasonably clean air and a thriving community as well if the equities are considered in the development of air pollution legislation.
This problem of more and more control based on suspicion or a supposed need to show official concern poses economic problems that can only result in great harm to the community if officials fail to consider economics. One can make air over LA as "pure" as that over the High Sierras, but in so-doing the community could be destroyed. On the other hand, one can have reasonably clean air and a thriving community as well if the equities are considered in the development of air pollution legislation.
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The same amount of energy well directed could give considerable impetus to securing adequate funds for medical research.
The same amount of energy well directed could give considerable impetus to securing adequate funds for medical research.
... basically the smog problem will be resolved only as the control of automotive exhaust is effected. Any added controls on stationary sources will produce unnecessary economic problems until the results of health-oriented research dictates otherwise.
... basically the smog problem will be resolved only as the control of automotive exhaust is effected. Any added controls on stationary sources will produce unnecessary economic problems until the results of health-oriented research dictates otherwise.
This does not mean that some laws may not have to be tightened, and occasionally new ones written. It only means that a reasonable need for control must exist before a control law is activated. Only high-grade research can show what is reasonable and what is not.
This does not mean that some laws may not have to be tightened, and occasionally new ones written. It only means that a reasonable need for control must exist before a control law is activated. Only high-grade research can show what is reasonable and what is not.
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William C. Mullendore, Southern California Edison Company
William C. Mullendore, Southern California Edison Company
Reese H. Taylor, Chairman of the Board, Union Oil Company of California (now Chevron)
Reese H. Taylor, Chairman of the Board, Union Oil Company of California (now Chevron)
Fred B. Ortman, Associate Director, Stanford Research Institute (as of 1957, prior to this Ortman was president of Gladding McBean alongside its chairman Atholl McBean, Standard Oil of California's then largest shareholder who was also a director of Std Oil of CA and the primary founder of the Stanford Research Institute)
Fred B. Ortman, Associate Director, Stanford Research Institute (as of 1957, prior to this Ortman was president of Gladding McBean alongside its chairman Atholl McBean, Standard Oil of California's then largest shareholder who was also a director of Std Oil of CA and the primary founder of the Stanford Research Institute)
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PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS STAFF
PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS STAFF
Charles A. Jones, Executive Secretary, Smoke and Fumes Committee, American Petroleum Institute
Charles A. Jones, Executive Secretary, Smoke and Fumes Committee, American Petroleum Institute
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (1955-1957)
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (1955-1957)
William H. Claussen, Executive Secretary, Smoke and Fumes Committee, American Petroleum Institute (and Standard Oil of California - now Chevron)
William H. Claussen, Executive Secretary, Smoke and Fumes Committee, American Petroleum Institute (and Standard Oil of California - now Chevron)
Charles M. Heinen, Vice Chairman, Vehicle Combustion Products, Subcommittee, Automobile Manufacturers Association (and Chrysler)
Charles M. Heinen, Vice Chairman, Vehicle Combustion Products, Subcommittee, Automobile Manufacturers Association (and Chrysler)
Dr Lawrence M. Richards, Assistant Manager of Research and Development, Richfield Oil Corporation (now BP)
Dr Lawrence M. Richards, Assistant Manager of Research and Development, Richfield Oil Corporation (now BP)
W. L. Faith, Deputy Director and Chief Engineer, 1954-1956; Managing Director, 1957-1961 (also a member of the Coordinating Research Council a joint venture between the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Petroleum Institute)
W. L. Faith, Deputy Director and Chief Engineer, 1954-1956; Managing Director, 1957-1961 (also a member of the Coordinating Research Council a joint venture between the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Petroleum Institute)
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Automobile Manufacturers Association (7)
Automobile Manufacturers Association (7)
CONTRIBUTORS TO AIR POLLUTION FOUNDATION (Numbers in parentheses refer to number of years contribution was made)
CONTRIBUTORS TO AIR POLLUTION FOUNDATION (Numbers in parentheses refer to number of years contribution was made)
DuPont (7 years)
DuPont (7 years)
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Ethyl Corporation (7 years)
Ethyl Corporation (7 years)
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (7 years)
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (7 years)
The Fluor Corporation (7 years)
The Fluor Corporation (7 years)
Gladdin, McBean & Company (7 years)
Gladdin, McBean & Company (7 years)
Los Angeles Clearing House Association (7 years): Bank of America, California Bank, Canadian Bank of Commerce (California), Citizens National Bank, First Western Bank & Trust Company, Security-First National Bank of L.A., Union Bank
Los Angeles Clearing House Association (7 years): Bank of America, California Bank, Canadian Bank of Commerce (California), Citizens National Bank, First Western Bank & Trust Company, Security-First National Bank of L.A., Union Bank
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