Clearing the Air: The War on Smog

2025

1h 0m

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Overview

In July 1943, dark, smoky clouds suddenly descended over Los Angeles, causing residents to complain of burning eyes, nausea, and difficulty breathing. People couldn’t see across the street and visibility was so bad that cars crashed. With World War II raging, many feared a chemical attack by the Japanese, but it soon became evident that no foreign enemy was to blame. The waves of pollution called “smog” — a combination of “smoke” and “fog” — continued and the cause remained a mystery. It was the beginning of an epic struggle for clean air involving years of scientific investigation and civic pressure, bringing together people across ideological divides in a remarkable example of bipartisanship. Their work would lead to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air Act, which have had an enduring effect on the quality of air Americans breathe.

Status: Released

Language: EN

Production Information

Production Companies

American Experience Films PBS Pangloss Films

Production Countries

United States of America

Quick Facts

Release Date	August 26, 2025
Status	Released
Language	EN
Website	Visit Site

Cast

Richard Nixon

Self

Ronald Reagan

Self

Key Crew

Peter Yost

Director

Cameo George

Executive Producer

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