Final answer:
Pollutants are quantified by measuring their concentrations using units like ppm, ppb, and µg/m³, with the EPA setting standards for common pollutants. Economic strategies such as taxes on pollution and market-oriented tools may be used to control the costs of pollution abatement effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
We quantify pollutants by identifying their concentration in the environment and determining their impact through various measurement units such as parts per million (ppm), parts per billion (ppb), and micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³). The EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six criteria air pollutants which include carbon monoxide (CO), ground-level ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), lead (Pb), and particulate matter (PM). The goal is to monitor and regulate these pollutants to protect public health and the environment.
To better manage pollution, economic theories suggest using taxes on pollutants or market-oriented environmental tools to reduce pollution cost-effectively. This approach encourages companies to find the most economical methods to abate pollutants like NOx. As we aim for a certain quantity of environmental protection, identified as Qb, these strategies ensure that the marginal costs don't exceed the marginal benefits. Lastly, the relative importance of a pollution source depends on its emissions and hazard level, considering factors like age and maintenance of the source.