In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision that the agency will formally reconsider the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Lung Association and the American Public Health Association issued the following statement:
“EPA’s decision to reconsider the inadequate national limits on ozone pollution is good news for the nation’s health. The science clearly shows that the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards for this pollutant are too weak, allowing levels of ozone that endanger people’s health, particularly the health of vulnerable groups like children, older adults and communities of color. For example, ozone pollution can exacerbate asthma in children and can lead to reduced lung function and even death among adults.
“The need is urgent for stronger standards that reflect what the science shows is necessary to protect public health, as the Clean Air Act requires. We welcome EPA’s plan to listen to scientific experts and call on the agency to move as quickly as possible to propose, finalize and implement stronger limits on ozone.
“Strengthening the ozone pollution standard is an opportunity for EPA to save lives and make meaningful strides to advance health equity and ensure healthy air for all to breathe.”
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About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
About the American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
About the American Public Health Association
The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.