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In general, air toxics are hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that cause cancer or other human health effects. One hundred ninety compounds are specifically identified in the Clean Air Act (CAA) amendments of 1990 as air toxics that the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) must investigate and regulate. Air emission control is one of important tasks of the US EPA (–).

Noise is playing an ever-increasing role in our lives and seems a regrettable but ultimately avoidable corollary of current technology. The trend toward the use of more automated equipment, sports and pleasure craft, high-wattage stereo, larger construction machinery, and the increasing numbers of ground vehicles and aircraft has created a gradual acceptance of noise as a natural byproduct of progress. Indeed, prior to 1972 the only major federal activity in noise control legislation was a 1968 amendment to the Federal Aviation Act, whereby the FAA was directed to regulate civil aircraft noise during landings and takeoffs, including sonic booms.

Most people think acoustics applies only to rooms with special functions, such as concert halls or churches. Actually, any space has acoustical qualities, and if these qualities are inappropriate, the utility of the space may be compromised. Normally, noise problems are associated with sounds that people can hear. However, ultrasonic and infrasonic sounds can also produce psychological effects and, under certain conditions, definite physiological effects.