The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new federal air quality standard for particulate matter for the first time since 2012, an important step toward reducing deadly air pollution.
For more than ten years, the annual average of particulate matter pollution has been capped at 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking feedback on a proposed reduction to 9-10 micrograms per cubic meter, with a range of 8-11 micrograms per cubic meter under discussion.
The final benchmark is a single-digit value within that band. The combustion of fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel, oil and wood produces particulate matter (PM2.5) that pollutes the outside air. Although it is one of the smallest pollutants due to its size, the potential damage is enormous.
The inhaled particle penetrates deep into lung tissue, from where it can enter the bloodstream, aggravating pre-existing conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular disease. People who have never smoked but are exposed to this pollution have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Some air pollution particles may promote mutations in airway cells, a mechanism recently discovered by scientists to explain the increased risk. In 2021, the World Health Organization urged environmental agencies to lower the safe air limit to 5 micrograms per cubic meter due to the serious health risks.
The science is clear: soot-causing air pollution poses a serious threat to human health, especially in downwind and underprivileged communities. @EPA‘s proposal is a more than welcome step to strengthen our clean air standards and better protect human health.https://t.co/i09pagOUjd
— Senator Tom Carper (@SenatorCarper) January 6, 2023
Although there is no safe level of air pollution, the organization estimates that this measure could reduce the number of deaths from particulate pollution by as much as 80%. The EPA proposal is stronger than previous standards, but still falls short of WHO’s recommendation.
American Lung Association CEO and president Harold Wimmer called the proposal “missing the mark and inadequate to protect public health.” Particle pollution is deadly, Wimmer said in a statement. He said the EPA should follow doctors’ advice and set the limit at 8 micrograms per cubic meter.
In addition, he mentioned that the average daily limit should be reduced from 35 micrograms per cubic meter to 25. The EPA has announced that it will accept public feedback on the proposed adjustment. Wimmer claimed health groups are “united” in their request.
EPA administrator Michael Regan has defended the proposed rule, saying it was developed after “a lot of time looking at all the new science” and input from both internal EPA specialists and outside “stakeholders.”
As Regan explained to the press, “We’ve come to this space based on thorough research and a thorough review of the evidence we have at hand.” The administrator went on to say that the agency’s environmental justice goals would be furthered by the new criterion.
BREAKING: The EPA is cracking down on soot pollution — particulate matter responsible for up to 200,000 premature deaths each year.
This is a critical reversal of Trump’s rollback of the EPA, but we need to do more to protect vulnerable communities. https://t.co/vI2zvYKhc1
— Climate Power (@ClimatePower) January 6, 2023
Particulate matter from factories and roads has a disproportionate impact on minority neighborhoods, especially those of color. Cancer specialist and president of the National Medical Association Dr Doris Browne warned that the EPA’s proposal “will have a lasting impact,” especially in communities of color.
Browne told the press, “I’ve worked all my career on health equity and environmental justice because no one should get sick from the environment they live in.” As stated in the report: “Strengthening air quality regulations means healthier, more sustainable communities, as harmful carbon pollution and smog create a permanent and catastrophic consequences on public health.”
Every five years, and in light of new scientific evidence, the EPA must review its fine particle pollution limits. In 2012, when they were last revised, during the Obama administration, the concentration was reduced from 15 to 12.
No new restrictions were imposed during the Trump presidency. Environmental and public health organizations expressed their disapproval of the Trump administration’s decision. Former EPA chief Andrew Wheeler said there was no need to raise the bar because the United States had already made “remarkable progress in reducing particulate matter levels.”
But Wheeler’s comments contrasted sharply with the advice of the EPA’s own scientists, who determined that further tightening of soot limits could save thousands of lives. Despite the proposed revision, the Biden administration is already lagging behind.
When Regan first said the EPA will look at tighter restrictions on soot, the agency’s timeline was to present a draft rule by the summer of 2022 and then finalize the rule this spring. The proposed rule released on Friday will be subject to public feedback before finalization later this year.
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