• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
SRI logo
  • About
    • Press room
    • Our history
  • Expertise
    • Advanced imaging systems
    • Artificial intelligence
    • Biomedical R&D services
    • Biomedical sciences
    • Computer vision
    • Cyber & formal methods
    • Education and learning
    • Innovation strategy and policy
    • National security
    • Ocean & space
    • Quantum
    • QED-C
    • Robotics, sensors & devices
    • Speech & natural language
    • Video test & measurement
  • Ventures
  • NSIC
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • 日本支社
Search
Close
History of innovation November 16, 2021 Earth and Space, Energy and Green Tech, Federal programs, Firsts, Health, Physical World, Pollution, Safety, Seminal Innovations, The 1940s

Smog research

smog-research
SRI’s Dr. Paul Magill points to a smog index line and the sharp dip on “Black Friday”, September 13, 1946—one of the worst smog days in Los Angeles history.

In the 1940s, when smog in Los Angeles brought visibility down to three blocks and people complained of smarting eyes, breathing discomfort, and nausea, the United States took notice. In 1947, SRI began more than a decade of research to understand the problem and its mitigation. In 1956, McGraw-Hill published the Air Pollution Handbook, edited by SRI researchers, that is still in use today.

SRI, with assistance from three California universities, hosted the first national symposium on air pollution in Pasadena, California on November 10-11, 1949. Four hundred scientists, businessmen, and civic leaders heard presentations by experts and exchanged ideas and research techniques. SRI also co-sponsored the second and third symposia in 1952 and 1955.

These events spurred the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955, the first federal law regarding air pollution.

SRI’s R&D for a cleaner environment continues today in clean materials, green technology, and processes for renewable energy and energy storage.

Earth and SpaceEnergy and Green TechFederal programsFirstsHealthPhysical WorldPollutionSafetySeminal InnovationsThe 1940s

Related innovations

Environmental causes of lung disease

Environmental test methods

Share this

How can we help?

Once you hit send…

We’ll match your inquiry to the person who can best help you.

Expect a response within 48 hours.

Career call to action image

Make your own mark.

Search jobs

Our work

Case studies

Publications

Timeline of innovation

Areas of expertise

Institute

Leadership

Press room

Media inquiries

Compliance

Careers

Job listings

Contact

SRI Ventures

Our locations

Headquarters

333 Ravenswood Ave
Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA

+1 (650) 859-2000

Subscribe to our newsletter


日本支社
SRI International
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies
  • DMCA
  • Copyright © 2022 SRI International