The US authorities announced Friday that they were going to impose stricter air quality standards, by acting on the authorized levels of fine particles, dangerous to health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to reduce the allowable level of fine PM 2.5 particles (less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to a maximum of 10 micrograms.
A public comment period must now take place before this new standard is officially implemented.
“Our work to provide clean, breathable air for all is a priority,” EPA Chief Michael Regan said in a statement. “This proposal will allow all neighborhoods, particularly the most vulnerable ones, to be protected from exposure to harmful pollution.”
4,200 premature deaths averted per year
Fine particles can be caused by different sources, such as construction sites, fires, or be the result of complex reactions of chemicals emitted by automobiles, power plants, or industrial sites.
Numerous studies have shown its danger to health, particularly when causing respiratory diseases.
According to the EPA, these new standards will prevent 4,200 premature deaths per year and save approximately $43 billion in health care costs by 2032.
The last time these standards were evaluated was in 2012.
American Lung Association President Harold Wimmer said he was “deeply disappointed” with the EPA’s proposal, which he said did not go far enough.
Source: BFM TV
