Report Detail

The EPA Particulate Matter Research Program

July 01, 2004 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, or the Agency) Clean Air Goal aims for every American community to have safe and healthy air. However, research has shown that exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution continues to be linked to increases in respiratory health problems, hospitalization for heart or lung disease, and even premature death. The set of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAASQS) for PM, promulgated by EPA in 1997, was designed to respond to this research and move the nation close to achieving the Clean Air Goal. Currently, EPA estimates that its regulations to reduce air pollution will prevent tens of thousands of premature deaths and reduce hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory illness by tens of thousands more people each year. The monetary benefits of reducing mortality alone are estimated to be up to approximately $100 billion per year; the benefits of reducing illness and minimizing the number of lost workdays and consequences of restricted activity are estimated to provide savings of billions more dollars each year.

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