By: Melinda Weaver, WMEAC Intern
Amidst WMEAC’s ongoing federal policy commitments, it’s essential to recognize pivotal advancements that continue to shape the health and well-being of our communities. This year, the timing of the new final standard update on National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Particulate Matter (PM 2.5), also known as soot pollution, announced by the EPA on February 7th, holds particular relevance.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since its inception has been at the forefront of developing and implementing a wide array of environmental standards aimed at preserving our natural world and safeguarding public health. From addressing air and water pollution to regulating hazardous waste disposal, the EPA’s historic contributions have left an indelible mark on environmental policy and advocacy.
In addition to its historic efforts, the EPA has recently adjusted the standard for soot pollution from a level of 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. What this means is that the EPA made changes to the existing rules about “soot” pollution in the air. They used to allow up to 12 tiny particles of soot in every cubic meter of air, but now they’ve lowered that limit to only 9 particles per cubic meters. This means they are making the air cleaner by reducing the amount of dirty soot in the atmosphere. The minimization of the soot pollution in our air is a step towards better health for everyone. Soot pollution is widespread and affects about 63 million people per year. It is linked to asthma attacks, heart attacks, stroke, heart disease, COPD, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, low birth weight, greater risk of preterm birth, and higher rates of infant mortality. The EPA’s new standard is going to save an estimate of over 4,500 lives and avoid 290,000 lost workdays for all those affected by soot pollution. Furthermore, it will avoid 5,700 cases of new asthma onset and 800,000 cases of asthma symptoms, along with 2,000 emergency room visits. Finally, this new EPA standard could result in cutting public healthcare costs, projecting a net benefit of up to $46 billion.
Soot, also known as PM 2.5, are very small particles produced by burning fossil fuels. It is one of the leading causes of climate change behind carbon dioxide. Because of its small size (approximately 30 times smaller than human hair), soot can penetrate our lungs and bloodstreams. This can cause significant health problems, including heart disease, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and difficulty breathing. Soot exposure is also linked with shorter life expectancies, greater rates of diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, and possibly adverse pregnancy consequences. PM 2.5 affects nearly all of Michigan, and disproportionately affects minority populations. It is produced by power plants, vehicle tailpipes, and other industrial sources, and it poses a large threat towards the elderly and seniors, young children, and people with other chronic illnesses.
Soot standards have not been updated since 2012, and the new EPA soot standard is a huge step towards building a brighter, healthier future for Michigan and its residents. WMEAC hopes to see even greater reductions in pollution, with the public and economic gains from this new advancement utilized to further advance environmental justice and sustainability goals. While there are still many steps to be taken in order to fight for our climate and our lives, WMEAC celebrates the EPA’s new soot standard and are thrilled to see the positive impact it will have on our communities. WMEAC encourages our members to prioritize these issues, remain engaged in advocacy efforts, support initiatives that promote clean air and environmental equity and continue to champion policies that prioritize public health and environmental protection. Together, let’s continue the journey towards a more equitable and sustainable world.
For Further information: Deirdre Nieves, Director, Climate Solution & Justice – dcnieves@wmeac.org
