We all look at photos of air pollution in urban areas and cringe — how could anyone breathe the air in such settings? Then again, when you’re in the thick of a downtown city, very little indicates (beyond smell) that what you’re breathing is less than adequate for your health. Besides, you’ve got a meeting in 20 minutes!

Yes, the air (in America at least) is much better today than it was decades ago. The Clean Air Act did its job of extending the lives of urban dwellers and decreasing the particles in the air. Its effects, however, may only be temporary. After all, we’re a growing nation, with a growing transportation infrastructure, and a growing need for more and more energy. It’s unfathomable to believe for such an advanced civilization, but we’re still poisoning ourselves everyday — and the detriments are coming to light.

Obviously, breathing in polluted air is not good for our lungs, especially for those with asthma. A new study released yesterday, however, reports that our hearts as well may be at risk. According to the University of California, Los Angeles, tiny particles of soot from trucks and factories combine with cholesterol to activate genes that trigger hardening of the arteries. This reaction can then generate a heart attack. So likely is the relationship, that the American Cancer Society has reported a 6 percent increase in heart-and lung-related deaths for "every 10 micrograms per cubic meter rise in particulates".

Most damaging is diesel exhaust from large trucks, off-road vehicles, and construction equipment. In California yesterday, the nation’s toughest regulations to curb diesel pollution were passed. According to health officials, Californians could save between $18 billion and $26 billion in associated health care costs once there is full compliance by 2020. The new standards will also reduce nitrogen oxide by 32 percent and cut pollution attributed to particulate matter by 74 percent. And this is only with regulations on California’s construction industry! A showdown in 2008 to regulate diesel emissions spewed by big rigs entering and traveling within the state will reduce harmful emissions even more.

These are all important steps. We cannot continue to thump our chests and place our intelligence as a species above all while we irreparably damage our bodies and stare blindly at the consequences. There are alternatives. They are costly. They are not easy. But neither is the thought of continuing to live in a society where fresh air comes at a premium. Our hearts need to be in the right place.