EPA Proposes Stronger Standards for Particle Pollution
Dec. 22, 2005 –To further improve public health across the country, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed on Tuesday new pollution standards for fine particulate matter (soot). The proposed standards would lower the daily exposure level to fine particulate matter to 35 micrograms per cubic meter – significantly lower than the existing daily standard of 65 micrograms per cubic meter. In layman terms, this means tighter restrictions on the amount of pollution in the air. Tighter restrictions, in turn, would result in improved air quality for all.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is responsible for ensuring clean healthy air in the Puget Sound region. Though stricter limits on particulate matter would pose new challenges, they ultimately would benefit human health. The EPA proposed-standard is closer to the Clean Air Agency’s health goal for its jurisdiction, which is a daily exposure of no more than 25 micrograms per cubic meter. The agency’s goal was developed by a committee of health experts and is considered to be protective of human health.
How will this affect the Puget Sound region?
The Puget Sound region is currently in attainment with existing EPA daily fine particulate standards – but would violate the proposed new standard. With the tighter standards proposed by the EPA, the Clean Air Agency and partners would need to strengthen efforts to reduce fine particulates to ensure the Puget Sound region does not lose its attainment status.
What is fine particulate matter?
Soot and smoke - from automobiles, chimneys, and industrial sources among others - contain fine particulate matter, tiny solid or aerosol particles. These particles measure 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less – smaller than the period at the end of this sentence and invisible to the naked eye. Their small size allows them to be easily inhaled, bypassing the immune system and proceeding deep into your lungs, where they can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including premature death.
The best way to limit human exposure to fine particulate matter is to reduce the amount of pollution emitted into the air.
When will the standards be implemented?
The proposed standards will be open to comment for 90 days after they are posted in the Federal Register. The EPA is required to finalize the proposed standards by September 2006.
How can I comment?
Instructions on how to submit a comment are available on the EPA Web site: http://www.epa.gov/air/particles/fs20051220pm.html#comment
For more information:
More details on the proposed action can be found on the EPA’s Web site: http://www.epa.gov/air/particles/actions.html
