Analyzes several reasons for conservation of natural resources. Environmentalists and profit-making groups should decide together what needs preservation. Author points out that everything rare is not worth preservation. Priorities for preserving the environment are discussed. (PS)

Describes an approach to constructing an Environmental Quality Index for Canada. The index is divided into air, water, land and miscellaneous sections. By looking at individual subindices, it is possible to see how environmental conditions vary across the country. By combining subindices, a crude gauge of the broad state of the environment may be…

Proposes seven rules to guide rational determination of permissible levels of air, water, and food contaminants to avoid unwarranted banning" and unreasonable economic and social costs. (AL)

The pros and cons of air pollution control efforts are discussed. Both national and regional air pollution control plans are described. Topics of discussion include benefit-cost analysis, air quality regulation, reducing ozone in the urban areas, the Los Angeles plan, uncertainties, and policy implications. (KR)

Describes the origin, occurrence, and effects of radon gas. Cites studies which attribute 5,000 to 20,000 deaths per year to radon exposure and the synergistic effect between radon and smoking. Explains ways to reduce risks. (RT)

Describes the highly complex mixture of gaseous and particulate matter found in urban air. Explains progress made in the understanding of the physics and chemistry of air pollution, the effects of precursors on ozone, the role of biogenic hydrocarbons, and the principal benefit of methanol-fueled vehicles. (RT)

Discusses widespread concern for the economic, social, aesthetic, and ecological consequences of acid rain. Eastern North America is the geographical focus of the concern. (RT)