The Environmental Protection Agency is delaying plans to tighten air quality standards for smog despite a recommendation by a scientific advisory panel to lower air pollution limits to protect public health, reports Matthew Daly for the Associated Press. Key quote:Paul Billings, senior vice president of the American Lung Association, called the EPA’s decision “profoundly disappointing” and a missed opportunity to protect public health and promote environmental justice. Exposure to elevated levels of ground-level ozone is linked to respiratory problems, including aggravated asthma, increased frequency of lung-related symptoms, and reduced lung function. Ground-level ozone poses a significant public health risk, especially to vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Grace van Deelen reported for EHN that even “fairly low exposure” to ozone pollution could raise risk of mental health issues.

Source: Washington Post September 07, 2023 21:29 UTC