The new standard is expected to save an estimated 4,500 lives and deliver $46 billion in health benefits in 2032.
Contact: Joe Weedon
202-277-9410
jweedon@zerotothree.org
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Miriam Calderón, Chief Policy Officer at ZERO TO THREE, issued the following statement in response to the EPAs soot pollution standard:
“ZERO TO THREE welcomes EPA’s new stronger soot pollution standard. Soot is a dangerous and deadly pollutant that threatens our environment and the health and development of our babies, starting prenatally. With this stronger soot pollution standard, President Biden and EPA Administrator Regan signal the importance of protecting our environment and public health, including giving our babies a strong start in life.
“Evidence continues to mount that exposure to particulate matter is hazardous to the health and neurodevelopment of young children, beginning in the prenatal period. This exposure occurs at a time of rapid foundational development, intensifying the risks of harm with profound lifelong consequences. Exposure to high levels of soot both contributes to and is compounded by other experiences that can undermine development, including poor birth outcomes and material hardship.
“A disturbing fact in our country is that inequities start with our babies. A significant number face material hardship, health hazards, racism, and poverty. Babies of color or babies in families with low income are more likely to be exposed to higher levels of soot, increasing health disparities. Our country must act to minimize the risks babies face where we have the power to do so. ZERO TO THREE applauds the Biden Administration’s decisive action to limit this serious source of risk.”
ZERO TO THREE’s comments on the proposed National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter standard are available here.
