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Fine Particles in the Air: Taking Action, Improving Health

Fine Particles in the Air: Taking Action, Improving Health. Presentation at STAPPA/ALAPCO Meeting Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Tom Curran, EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards May 8, 2002. Why Should You Care About Fine Particles?. Fine particles cause:

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Fine Particles in the Air: Taking Action, Improving Health

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  1. Fine Particles in the Air: Taking Action, Improving Health Presentation at STAPPA/ALAPCO Meeting Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Tom Curran, EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards May 8, 2002

  2. Why Should You Care About Fine Particles? Fine particles cause: • Tens of thousands of premature deaths from heart and lung disease • Tens of thousands of hospital admissions and emergency room visits • Millions of school and work absences due to aggravation of asthma and other lung and heart diseases, and • Reduced visibility in cities, national parks and other scenic areas

  3. As Fine Particle Levels Increase, Risk Increases for: • Premature death from heart and lung disease • Aggravation of heart and lung diseases, with increased hospitalizations, doctor visits, and use of medication. • Heart beat irregularities and heart attacks • Coughing, wheezing, and chronic bronchitis • And possibly for: • lung cancer mortality • infant mortality

  4. Some Groups of People are Particularly at Risk • People with heart or lung disease • Elderly • Children These groups each include tens of millions of people, together representing over 40% of the U.S. population.

  5. Fine Particle Standards • 1997 - EPA set national air quality standards for fine particles. • Protect human health and the environment • Annual: 15 ug/m3 (averaged over 3 years) • Daily: 65 ug/m3 (98th percentile, averaged over 3 years) • 2002: Standards withstood all legal challenges • EPA also has programs to improve visibility in National Parks and Wilderness Areas

  6. Fine Particles are a Significant Problem in California and in the East

  7. We Can Reduce Fine Particles • National programs in place • Acid Rain, NOx SIP Call, BART, Tier II, Heavy Duty Diesel • Dual approach is needed for further reductions • National/regional and local strategies to reduce emissions • National/regional programs under consideration • Clear Skies Initiative • SIP Call for SOx and NOx • Non-Road Engine Standards • Early reductions by states, local and tribal governments

  8. PM-2.5 Implementation Program • EPA work group is formed to develop implementation strategy • Schedule: Draft strategy in late 2002 / early 2003 • Education & outreach for State/locals/Tribes is important • Major issues • Timing for designations and SIP/TIP submittals • Guidance on Nonattainment Area Boundaries • Classifications & attainment dates for nonattainment areas • Mandatory measures / NSR / conformity • Early reductions • Reasonable further progress • Analysis of regional transport to support SIP Call • Discussions under way regarding STAPPA/ALAPCO coordination

  9. Moving Forward to Implement Fine Particle Programs States Recommend Areas Not Meeting Standards EPA Designates Areas States Submit Implementation Plans With Control Strategies Date to Attain Standards 2009-15 2003-04 2004-05 2007-08

  10. Summary • Serious health effects - need action now (premature death, heart and lung disease) • Complex problem – many types of pollutants from multiple emission sources • EPA encourages early reductions • EPA is committed to working with the states and public to meet the fine particle standards and protect public health

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