The EPA has decided that it is acceptable to leave the standards for particulate matter as they are, and not tighten them. They say the science supports this decision. They are ignoring many studies that show the exact opposite – that our standards should be stronger, in order to protect health. In addition, there are large differences in exposure for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Here are two of those studies.
This study by Mikati and other scientists was published two years ago, and shows that exposure to fine particulates (PM2.5) is 1.5 times higher for Black people than the general population, and 1.35 times higher for impoverished people. This is because of our country’s environmental racism, locating highways, power plants, and other sources of pollution near communities of color and lower wealth communities.
This study by Di and others looked at deaths among all Medicare recipients. They found increased deaths caused by PM2.5 in all Medicare recipients at levels below the current standards. In this study, the risk of death was even higher among Black people. As the authors stated: “… there was significant evidence of adverse effects related to exposure to PM2.5 and ozone at concentrations below current national standards.”
These are just two of many studies published showing that PM2.5 causes increased deaths and other health problems, since EPA last revised the particulate standards. Many of the studies also show disparities due to environmental injustice. The proposal by EPA to NOT strengthen the standards, ignores science and perpetuates environmental racism.
06/23/20
