EPA Announces New Air Quality Standards , for Particulate Matter.<br />On February 7, the Environmental Protection Agency <br />(EPA) announced a new rule aimed at significantly <br />reducing levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air. .<br />ABC reports that the EPA updated the national <br />air-quality standards, citing the known <br />negative health impacts of exposure to PM.<br />ABC reports that the EPA's previous annual standard <br />was set at 12 micrograms of PM per cubic meter of air, <br />while the latest update lowers that to 9 micrograms. .<br />The EPA's 24-hour standard, which accounts <br />for short-term spikes in pollution, <br />will remain at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. .<br />Responses to the new rules have <br />been mixed, with environmental and <br />health groups praising the decision. .<br />Today's action is a critical step <br />forward that will better protect <br />workers, families and communities <br />from the dangerous and costly <br />impacts of fine particle pollution, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via ABC.<br />The science is clear, soot pollution <br />is one of the most dangerous forms <br />of air pollution and it's linked to a range <br />of serious and potentially deadly illnesses, <br />including asthma and heart attacks, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via ABC.<br />On the other hand, industry groups have reportedly <br />signaled that it will hamper manufacturing <br />and eliminate jobs in the United States.<br />Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the <br />American Lung Association, called the EPA's decision <br />"a step forward for public health," but still not enough.<br />It is disappointing that EPA did <br />not follow the strong science-based <br />recommendations of the Clean Air <br />Scientific Advisory Committee and <br />the health community to also revise <br />the 24-hour standard to more <br />fully protect public health, Harold Wimmer, president and CEO <br />of the American Lung Association, via ABC
