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American Experience

Clearing the Air: The War on Smog

Season 37 Episode 4 | 52m 39s

In 1943, dark, smoky clouds enveloped Los Angeles, causing residents to complain of burning eyes, nausea, and difficulty breathing. The source of the smog was a mystery. CLEARING THE AIR: THE WAR ON SMOG is the story of the epic struggle for clean air, involving years of scientific study and civic pressure that would lead to the creation of the EPA and the Clean Air Act. From AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.

Aired: 08/25/25 | Expires: 09/24/25
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Extras
Watch • 0:30
Antiques Roadshow
Preview: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Hour 3
Preview: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Hour 3
Preview: S30 E9 | 0:30
Watch • 3:20
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: 1965 Roy Lichtenstein "Shipboard Girl" Offset Lithograph
Appraisal: 1965 Roy Lichtenstein "Shipboard Girl" Offset Lithograph
Clip: S30 E9 | 3:20
Watch • 2:23
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: Egyptian 26th Dynasty Faience Ushabti Figure
Appraisal: Egyptian 26th Dynasty Faience Ushabti Figure
Clip: S30 E9 | 2:23
Watch • 2:05
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: Tiffany & Co. Needle Lace Fan, ca. 1885
Appraisal: Tiffany & Co. Needle Lace Fan, ca. 1885
Clip: S30 E9 | 2:05
Watch • 2:36
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: Croft Stock Ale Cone-top Beer Cans, ca. 1940
Appraisal: Croft Stock Ale Cone-top Beer Cans, ca. 1940
Clip: S30 E9 | 2:36
Watch • 2:50
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: Japanese Bronze Lantern, ca. 1909
Appraisal: Japanese Bronze Lantern, ca. 1909
Clip: S30 E9 | 2:50
Watch • 2:48
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: 1888 Celia Thaxter Painted Pitcher
Appraisal: 1888 Celia Thaxter Painted Pitcher
Clip: S30 E9 | 2:48
Watch • 1:24
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: Shell Cameo Brooch, ca. 1945
Appraisal: Shell Cameo Brooch, ca. 1945
Clip: S30 E9 | 1:24
Watch • 1:17
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: 1933 Notre Dame Four Horsemen-signed Program
Appraisal: 1933 Notre Dame Four Horsemen-signed Program
Clip: S30 E9 | 1:17
Watch • 1:04
Antiques Roadshow
Appraisal: Civil War US Navy Officer Sword
Appraisal: Civil War US Navy Officer Sword
Clip: S30 E9 | 1:04
Latest Episodes
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Watch • 1:22:36
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Watch • 1:51:27
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Episode: S36 E7 | 1:51:27
Watch • 52:36
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