100 Leading Scientists Endorse Stricter PM Standards, 3-31-05
One hundred leading air pollution scientists have sent a letter to the EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) endorsing more stringent air quality standards for fine particles.
The scientists urged strengthening of the 24-hour and annual average fine particle standards to protect public health.
Specifically, they stated: “The recommendations by EPA staff scientists — to srengthen the form and level of the standards — are based upon sound science. Therefore, the ranges proposed — between 25-35 ug/m3 for the 24 hour standard, and between 12-14 ug/m3 for the annual average standard — are well-supported by the health evidence and the results of the risk assessment.”
The letter, circulated by Dr. George D. Thurston of the New York University School of Medicine, was signed by 100 distinguished doctors and scientists — a virtual “Who’s Who” of air pollution researchers. 37 universities are represented and several research hospitals. The list of signatories includes: allergists, pulmonologists, pathologists, biostatisticians, epidemiologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, cardiologists, toxicologists, clinicians, occupational health physicians, atmospheric scientists, engineers, exposure analysts, and risk assessors.
“This shows that there is a broad sceintific consensus among independent researchers that the air quality standards for fine particles need to be strengthened to better protect public health. Moreover, the EPA staff scientists have correctly interpreted their research to conclude that stronger standards are needed,” stated Dr. Thurston.
A copy of the original letter and the complete list of signers is attached.
Attachments
- Scientists Letter to CASAC and EPA
- scientistsletter4.pdf
Letter on PM Staff Paper 3-31-05
