Clearing the Air: The War on Smog (2025)

Clearing the Air: The War on Smog (2025) poster

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.

Director: Peter Yost
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 60 min
Release Date:

Cast

Production: American Experience Films, PBS, Pangloss Films
Country: United States of America
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Peter Yost
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clearing the Air: The War on Smog about?
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.
Who directed Clearing the Air: The War on Smog?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog was directed by Peter Yost.
Who stars in Clearing the Air: The War on Smog?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog stars Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan.
How long is Clearing the Air: The War on Smog?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog has a runtime of 1h 0m (60 minutes).
What genre is Clearing the Air: The War on Smog?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog is a Documentary film.
Where was Clearing the Air: The War on Smog produced?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog was produced in United States of America.