Why the Evidence Supports a Coarse Particle Standard Now
The evidence reviewed in the EPA Staff Paper makes clear that coarse particles contribute to increased risk of hospitalization for heart and lung disease, increased respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function, and may also contribute to mortality.
Studies of respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalization in Detroit and Seattle, and with respiratory symptoms in children in six U.S. cities reported significant associations with coarse particle concentrations of 30 to 40 µg/m3, 98th percentile.
Since the publication of the final Staff Paper in late June 2005, there have been five important new studies published, including a major review article. These studies report short-term effects of coarse particles on respiratory hospital admissions in children and the elderly, and increased long-term risk of death from coronary heart disease in women. These recent studies — reviewed in the attached fact sheet —bolster the case for establishment of a new National Ambient Air Quality Standard for coarse particles.
Attachments
- Coarse Particle Fact Sheet
- coarse-particle-fact-sheet-1.pdf
October 2005 — Why the Evidence Supports a Coarse Particle Standard
