US proposes stricter air quality standards for soot

A pollution Fine particulate matter can be caused by a variety of sources, including construction sites, chimneys, wildfires, power plants and vehicles. It causes respiratory illnesses, heart attacks and disproportionately affects low-income Black and Latino communities and minorities in the United States.

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What is soot?

Soot – also known as fine particle pollution or PM2.5 – can penetrate deep into the lungs and can result in serious health effects including asthma, heart attacks and premature death. Vulnerable populations like children and older adults are most at risk.
— US EPA (@EPA) January 6, 2023

The EPA proposal would raise the standard of air quality for fine particles from an annual average level of 12 micrograms per cubic meter to between nine and ten micrograms per cubic meter.

“Providing clean, breathable air for everyone is one of EPA's priorities,” said agency head Michael Regan. “This proposal will help ensure that all communities, especially the most vulnerable, are protected from exposure to harmful pollution,” he added.

EPA estimated that a standard of air quality stricter would prevent up to 4.200 premature deaths and 270 lost workdays annually.

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The standards were last changed under Democrat Barack Obama's administration in 2012. Republican Donald Trump's administration refused to do so in 2020.

(To AFP)

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