American Thoracic Society Endorses Stringent Ozone Standard
A major medical association, the American Thoracic Society, has laid out the case for EPA to strengthen the air quality standard for ozone smog.
“Any action less stringent than a 0.060-ppm standard will effectively represent a failure of the EPA to fulfill its mandate under the Clean Air Act, ” write Drs. Kent E. Pinkerton, John R. Balmes, Michelle V. Fanucchi, and William N. Rom in an editorial published July 7, 2007.
EPA has proposed a far less protective standard of 0.075 to 0.070 ppm, and has asked for comment on even weaker alternatives.
The article cites numerous clinical and epidemiological studies showing effects at concentrations of 0.060 ppm and below. The current standard is effectively 0.085 ppm, 8-hour average.
The editorial in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, entitled “Ozone, A Malady for All Ages” details the Society’s position for for a standard of 0.060 ppm, 8-hour average.
The article, with complete references, is available online at:
