Before the Clean Air Act, what was a primary concern for boiler operations?

The primary concern for boiler operations before the Clean Air Act was sulfur dioxide emissions. This compound is produced during the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly coal, which was commonly used in boiler operations at the time. Sulfur dioxide is a significant pollutant that can cause serious environmental and health issues, including acid rain and respiratory problems in humans.

The Clean Air Act was enacted to address these environmental and health issues, particularly focusing on harmful emissions from industrial processes, including those from boilers. One of the Act's main objectives was to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, which has led to the implementation of various regulations and technologies to control these emissions and protect air quality.

While other pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides, are also important concerns in boiler operations, the focus before the Clean Air Act primarily centered on sulfur dioxide due to its prominent role in air pollution and its severe impact on public health and the environment.