EPA finalizes stronger standards for harmful soot pollution, significantly increasing health and clean air protections for families, workers, and communities

Summary:

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a stronger national ambient air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), setting a new limit of 9 micrograms per cubic meter to better protect public health. This new standard is expected to save up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays, yielding up to $46 billion in net health benefits by 2032. The standard will also reduce particle pollution by 42% since 2000, while the US Gross Domestic Product has increased by 52%. This action will specifically benefit vulnerable communities, such as children, older adults, and people with health conditions like asthma, and overburdened communities, including those of color and low-income communities.