EPA Announces New Air Quality Standards , for Particulate Matter.
On February 7, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) announced a new rule aimed at significantly
reducing levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air. .
ABC reports that the EPA updated the national
air-quality standards, citing the known
negative health impacts of exposure to PM.
ABC reports that the EPA's previous annual standard
was set at 12 micrograms of PM per cubic meter of air,
while the latest update lowers that to 9 micrograms. .
The EPA's 24-hour standard, which accounts
for short-term spikes in pollution,
will remain at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. .
Responses to the new rules have
been mixed, with environmental and
health groups praising the decision. .
Today's action is a critical step
forward that will better protect
workers, families and communities
from the dangerous and costly
impacts of fine particle pollution, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via ABC.
The science is clear, soot pollution
is one of the most dangerous forms
of air pollution and it's linked to a range
of serious and potentially deadly illnesses,
including asthma and heart attacks, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via ABC.
On the other hand, industry groups have reportedly
signaled that it will hamper manufacturing
and eliminate jobs in the United States.
Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the
American Lung Association, called the EPA's decision
"a step forward for public health," but still not enough.
It is disappointing that EPA did
not follow the strong science-based
recommendations of the Clean Air
Scientific Advisory Committee and
the health community to also revise
the 24-hour standard to more
fully protect public health, Harold Wimmer, president and CEO
of the American Lung Association, via ABC