Discusses the increased environmental activities of the National Bureau of Standards which include the development of standard reference materials (each containing a known concentration of a pollutant or pollutants), accurate methods of measurement, and pollution monitoring instruments. (JR)

Summarizes discussions made at the first National Conference on Standards for Environmental Improvement. Indicates the presence of contradictions between industry and governmental agencies in terms of current environmental standards and their congressionally mandated deadlines as well as interpretation of environmental research data. (CC)