Lead is a textbook example of a good regulation. It’s something where the industry was doing something very harmful-aerosolizing lead and pumping it into the air—which had quite small economic benefits and was relatively easily replaced.

Some regulation achieves this kind of improvement, and we’re probably under regulated in those areas. Particulate matter, for example, is extremely harmful. But many regulations do not have such clear cut costs and benefits.

▲

cassepipe 2 hours ago | parent [-]

Can you tell more about particulate matter ? You mean small particles in the air right, so air pollution right ?

	▲	stetrain an hour ago \| parent \| next [-]
		Right but specifically solid particles in the air, not just gasses (CO2, NOX, etc.). For example smoke and soot from combustion or dust particles from tires and brakes.
	▲	danlitt an hour ago \| parent \| prev \| next [-]
		Particulate matter is relatively large particles, so far as air pollution goes. Think things like soot or smoke, rather than specific chemicals. Burning wood and coal produces far more particulates than, say, natural gas or gasoline-gas.
	▲	empyrrhicist 2 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Yes, it's associated with cancer, heart disease, and dementia.