If the U.S. government has its way, Americans will be able to breathe a little easier this spring.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed the strictest health standards in history for smog (also known as ground-level ozone), which is linked to serious health problems ranging from aggravation of asthma to increased risk of premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
Why Do We Need a New Smog Standard?
The new standard would replace the standards set by the Bush administration, which many environmentalists, scientists and medical experts believe did not go far enough to protect human health. Smog is especially dangerous for children because their lungs are still developing, they are more likely to be active outdoors during smog conditions, and they are more likely than adults to have asthma. Older adults, plus adults of any age who have asthma or other lung or respiratory diseases, are also highly sensitive to ozone and at greater risk when smog is present.
"EPA is stepping up to protect Americans from one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants we face," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Smog in the air we breathe poses a very serious health threat, especially to children and individuals suffering from asthma and lung disease. It dirties our air, clouds our cities, and drives up our health care costs across the country. Using the best science to strengthen these standards is a long overdue action that will help millions of Americans breathe easier and live healthier."
What is the EPA Proposing?
The EPA is proposing to set the "primary" standard, which protects public health, at a level between 0.060 and 0.070 parts per million (ppm) measured over eight hours. The agency is also proposing a seasonal "secondary" standard to protect the environment. This seasonal standard is designed to protect plants and trees from damage that occurs from repeated ozone exposure, which "can reduce tree growth, damage leaves, and increase susceptibility to disease," according to the EPA.
"Nearly two years ago, EPA selected a standard for ozone that was too weak--allowing far more pollution than compelling research said was safe," said Charles D. Connor, president and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Ozone, often known as smog, is one of the most dangerous gases polluting our communities--and the most widespread. With today's announcement, EPA is following the overwhelming evidence that our nation needs a stronger ozone standard."
Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope called today's announcement by the EPA "a breath of fresh air . . . that provides real protection for millions of people."
"Smog doesn't just ruin your view; it poses serious health risks, especially to children and senior citizens," Pope said. "Study after study shows that to protect public health we need to significantly lower the amount of smog in our air-and that means cleaning up dirty coal plants and vehicle pollution.
"Coal plants are among the largest sources of smog-causing pollution; and with more than 500 plants currently operating in our country, many lacking modern pollution controls, it is our communities that are paying the costs in increased asthma attacks and other health problems.
"This rule will help ensure that all major sources of pollution get cleaned up; it will drive the need for cities and states to reduce the smog pollution spewing from vehicle tailpipes - investing in transportation choices that enable Americans to travel safely and efficiently without using their cars will be part of the solution."
The EPA will take public comment for 60 days after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, and will hold three public hearings on the proposal: two on February 2, in Arlington, Virginia and Houston, Texas, and one on February 4, in Sacramento, California.
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