The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step towards reducing soot pollution, one of the deadliest forms of air pollution. Soot, also known as particulate matter, is a major health concern as it can easily enter the lungs and trigger various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.
The EPA's new rule, which was finalized on Wednesday, aims to lower the allowable limits for annual soot exposure by 25%. While the 24-hour limit remains unchanged, the overall reduction in soot pollution is expected to have a significant impact on public health. According to the EPA's estimates, these new standards will prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 800,000 cases of asthma symptoms annually.
It is worth noting that the largest human-caused sources of soot pollution in the United States are fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil, and gas, which are burned for electricity and transportation. With the advancement of renewable energy technologies, the need for such polluting sources is decreasing. Lisa Frank, the executive director of Environment America Research & Policy Center’s Washington Office, expressed her support for the new rule, stating, "Air pollution used to be the price we had to pay to heat our homes, commute, or produce goods by burning coal, oil, and gas. Thankfully, in the rapidly accelerating renewable energy era, that’s no longer the case. These soot standards will save lives, clear our skies, and alleviate the burden of asthma and other illnesses."
Andre Delattre, the senior vice president and chief operating officer for program at U.S. PIRG Education Fund, also commended the EPA's decision, emphasizing the importance of clean air. He said, "For too many Americans, the very air we breathe can make us sick. This is a problem we can choose to solve. This announcement is a welcome step toward a healthier future. We thank President Biden and the EPA for heeding the science and public calls for cleaner air and finalizing strong limits on soot."
The EPA's new rule comes as a response to updated research that suggests there may be no safe level of air pollution. The World Health Organization has recently halved its guidelines for allowable particulate matter (soot) pollution. By implementing stricter standards, the EPA aims to protect the public and improve overall air quality.
Last year, the EPA received over 500,000 comments from Americans in support of stronger soot standards, highlighting the widespread concern for the health implications of air pollution. The agency's decision to address this issue reflects the Biden administration's commitment to environmental protection and public health.
With the implementation of these new standards, the United States takes a significant step forward in reducing deadly air pollution. The EPA's efforts to curb soot pollution will not only save lives but also improve the quality of the air we breathe. As Lisa Frank stated, "That’s something all Americans should celebrate."
