Early catalytic converters paired with carburetors increased nitrogen dioxide levels. An old conspiracy theory that appeared to hold water. Early 2way converters only focused on being an after burner and thoroughly combusting the exhaust waste.
Like the SMOG Pump that added air to the exhaust gasses thus reducing the measured amount of emissions... But the developer and manufacturer of said pump made millions!
And that's what is important! Somebody made lots of money and the politicians, greenies, etc all felt like they were doing something to save the environment...even if they weren't! Money and optics!