Health and Medical Organizations Welcome EPA’s Decision to Reconsider Ozone Pollution Standards

In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision that the agency will formally reconsider the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Lung Association and the American Public Health Association issued the following statement: 

“EPA’s decision to reconsider the inadequate national limits on ozone pollution is good news for the nation’s health. The science clearly shows that the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards for this pollutant are too weak, allowing levels of ozone that endanger people’s health, particularly the health of vulnerable groups like children, older adults and communities of color. For example, ozone pollution can exacerbate asthma in children and can lead to reduced lung function and even death among adults.  

“The need is urgent for stronger standards that reflect what the science shows is necessary to protect public health, as the Clean Air Act requires. We welcome EPA’s plan to listen to scientific experts and call on the agency to move as quickly as possible to propose, finalize and implement stronger limits on ozone. 

“Strengthening the ozone pollution standard is an opportunity for EPA to save lives and make meaningful strides to advance health equity and ensure healthy air for all to breathe.”