Clearing the Air: The War on Smog
Aug 26, 2025 · 1h
Director
Peter YostOverview
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.
Cast of Clearing the Air: The War on Smog
Crew of Clearing the Air: The War on Smog
About Clearing the Air: The War on Smog
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…
When was Clearing the Air: The War on Smog released?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog was released on August 26, 2025.
Where can I watch Clearing the Air: The War on Smog?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog is streaming on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel in the US. It is also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video. Availability data from JustWatch.
How long is Clearing the Air: The War on Smog?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog runs 1 hour (60 minutes).
Who directed Clearing the Air: The War on Smog?
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog was directed by Peter Yost.
Who is in the cast of Clearing the Air: The War on Smog?
The cast of Clearing the Air: The War on Smog includes Richard Nixon (Self) and Ronald Reagan (Self).
Is Clearing the Air: The War on Smog on Netflix?
No, Clearing the Air: The War on Smog is not on Netflix in the US. It is streaming on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel instead.