Climate Change

Controversy Surrounds New EPA Smog Standards

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Although the Environmental Protection Agency has made a move to improve the air around us, many scientists believe the government has failed to truly protect public health.

Ozone, a major component of smog, is formed when pollution reacts in sunlight, resulting in poor air quality than can harm lung function and irritate the respiratory system.

But a new standard just set forth by the EPA looks to clean up ozone.

To date the legal limit of ozone in our air has been 84 parts per billion. The new number drops it to 75 parts per billion.

So under this new standard, expect more ozone alert days this summer.

Last summer there had 20 ozone alert days when the air was considered unhealthy. Under the new standard, the number of bad air days would almost double to 38.

Most of the state, except for Franklin and Nantucket counties, would be considered out of compliance based on three-year air quality averages.

Although this new standard will help to improve air quality in the future, many environmental scientists believe the new number misses the mark.

"This is absolutely not sufficient based on the scientific research," said Ben Wright with Environment Massachusetts.

"An independent review on general health effects and on child health effects recommended a level between 60 and 70," Wright added. "The science is in and clearly the EPA has not followed those guidelines. This is a typical move by this EPA to listen to big industry and compromise, and the real loser is the public's health."

Public health agencies, including the American Lung Association, have also lobbied for 60 parts per billion but according to our local EPA, just getting the northeast in compliance with these new standards just set will prove incredibly challenging.

So how long do states have to comply with new ozone standards?

It is a long, complex process, so the timeframe is really the next decade. And being that prevailing winds bring much of the nation's pollution our way making New England a tailpipe, so to speak, better air quality here really depends on action taken by states across the country.

There is legislation pending on Beacon Hill aimed at getting local industries to clean up pollution and implement alternative forms of energy to improve air quality.

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