Journalist Savanna Scott reports for Public Health Watch about Ken Paxton and 18 other state attorneys general who are fighting a Biden administration plan to crack down on pollutants linked to heart disease, breast and lung cancer and other ailments.
In a nutshell:
Scientists' growing concerns about airborne particulates, primarily PM2.5, have triggered regulatory action by the Biden administration. A study by researchers indicates that in 2016, over 8,000 Texans succumbed to health issues linked to these particulates, with the petrochemical industry identified as a significant contributor. With the industry's expansion in Texas and associated increase in PM2.5 emissions, there's an escalating debate on tightening regulations, even as industry groups resist changes citing economic impacts.
Key quote:
“It’s been estimated that outdoor air pollution from particulate matter causes about 100,000 deaths per year in the United States. So it’s a very important and problematic pollution exposure that we’re getting."
-- George Thurston, New York University public health professor
The big picture:
Exposure to PM2.5 particulates, minute airborne particles, has been directly linked to serious health consequences. Numerous studies associate these contaminants with heart disease, various cancers, Alzheimer's and respiratory ailments. As these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, the risks they pose to public health are undeniable and far-reaching.
Read Scott's article here and don't miss the excellent interactive map: You can search by county or address to see estimated deaths from fine particle pollution and find out more about associated health problems.
Air pollution reduces global average life expectancy by 2.2 years, rivaling the health impact of smoking, with 97.3% of the world's population exposed to unsafe levels, reported Kristina Marusic for EHN.
