Since World War II, air pollution had greatly increased, causing ill health to people and considerable property damage. The committee received letters such as this one from a Tampa, Florida physician who had treated a “young lady” who had been hospitalized twice for “an acute episode of allergic bronchitis and asthma.” The physician believed that “excessive amounts of industrial contaminate particles in the open air about her home” were responsible.

United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Public Works. "Alfred J. Bennett to Whom It May Concern Regarding Air Pollution Health Issues." Alfred J. Bennett to Whom It May Concern Regarding Air Pollution Health Issues, March 5, 1965; “S. 306” folder, Legislative Files, Box 2; Committee on Public Works; 89th Congress; Records of the U.S. Senate, RG 46; National Archives.. Accessed 16 April 2024. https://acsc.lib.udel.edu/items/show/321.