E.P.A. Tightens Sulfur Dioxide Limit

E.P.A. Tightens Sulfur Dioxide Limits

Quarter 4

Article 4

NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/science/earth/04sulfur.html?ref=air_pollution

The area covered is national.

Summary:

The EPA issued a new health standard for sulfur dioxide limits. This is the first revision for SO2 limits in nearly 40 years. The agency said the new standard, adopted under the Clean Air Act, would prevent 2,300 to 5,900 premature deaths and 54,000 asthma attacks a year. The agency estimates the cost to industry of adopting the new rule at $1.5 billion over the next 10 years, and the value of the health benefits at $13 billion to $33 billion a year. The agency is also requiring that new monitors be set up by 2013 in the areas that are subject to the highest concentrations of sulfur dioxide. The current standard calls for concentrations of no more than 140 parts per billion, averaged over 24 hours. The new rule reduces the ceiling to 75 parts per billion, measured hourly.

Opinion:

I think that it is a good thing that the EPA set a new standard for sulfur dioxide emissions. Not only is it better for the environment but it will also prevent premature deaths and asthma attacks. Fewer people will be hospitalized, have asthma attacks, and will die earlier from air pollution. The EPA needs to keep setting standards regarding air pollution and making sure that they are met so that our country can be cleaner and have healthier people living in it.

Definitions:

Sulfur dioxide- SO2 is a major element of the exhaust from coal-burning power plants and a component of acid rain. It has been linked to many health problems, including respiratory distress, asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.