EPA Finalizes Tougher Air Quality Standards to Protect Against Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter
EPA Finalizes Tougher Air Quality Standards to Protect Against Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter WebWire
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U.S. EPA Strengthens Air Quality Standard to Protect Public Health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced the finalization of a stronger air quality standard aimed at safeguarding families, workers, and communities from the harmful health effects and economic costs associated with fine particle pollution, also known as soot.
Strengthening the Standard for Fine Particulate Matter
The EPA’s updated standard involves strengthening the annual health-based national ambient air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. This enhancement is projected to save lives by preventing up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays. Furthermore, it is estimated to yield approximately $46 billion in net health benefits by 2032. The action taken by the EPA could result in as much as $77 in human health benefits for every $1 spent in 2032.
The Threat of Fine Particulate Matter
Due to its small size, fine particulate matter can pose a significant threat to human health as it can be carried by the air and penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially causing various health issues. It is important to note that exposure to fine particulate matter can occur in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Protecting Workers and the Public
Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., highlights the importance of protecting workers and the public from particle pollution. He emphasizes that EMSL, an industrial hygiene and environmental testing company, offers testing and monitoring solutions to help companies comply with the Clean Air Act. EMSL has laboratories across North America that provide air testing services, sampling supplies, and state-of-the-art particle counters and monitoring instruments.
Education and Awareness
EMSL has sponsored an educational video that focuses on indoor sources of particulate matter. The video can be accessed at: https://youtu.be/v3FEI5WNjCI
Testing and Monitoring Solutions
To learn more about testing or monitoring for particulate matter or other airborne pollutants, individuals can visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a leading testing laboratory with locations throughout the United States and Canada. The company specializes in providing fast laboratory results for a wide range of testing services, including mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing. EMSL services both professionals and the general public and holds numerous accreditations from reputable organizations and regulatory bodies. For a complete list of accreditations, please visit www.EMSL.com. Additionally, EMSL offers a wide range of sampling equipment and investigative products for environmental professionals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Number of premature deaths prevented due to improved air quality – Number of lost workdays prevented due to improved air quality |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Net health benefits resulting from improved air quality – Reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment | – Reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions – Compliance with air quality standards |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of a stronger air quality standard for fine particle pollution (PM2.5). This is directly related to the goal of improving health and well-being by reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions the importance of paying special attention to air quality in cities. By strengthening air quality standards, the EPA aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, aligning with the goal of creating sustainable cities and communities.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article highlights the need for environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The EPA’s air quality standard aims to reduce the release of fine particulate matter, contributing to responsible consumption and production.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The EPA’s updated air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) aims to prevent premature deaths and reduce illnesses caused by air pollution.
Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
The strengthened air quality standard contributes to reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities by improving air quality.
Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
The EPA’s air quality standard helps in achieving the environmentally sound management of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions, reducing their release into the air and minimizing their adverse impacts.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article provides indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Number of premature deaths prevented due to improved air quality
– Number of lost workdays prevented due to improved air quality
– Net health benefits resulting from improved air quality
– Reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels
– Reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions
– Compliance with air quality standards
These indicators can be used to assess the impact of the EPA’s air quality standard and track progress towards achieving the targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Number of premature deaths prevented due to improved air quality – Number of lost workdays prevented due to improved air quality |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Net health benefits resulting from improved air quality – Reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment | – Reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions – Compliance with air quality standards |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: webwire.com
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