EPA Strengthens Smog Standard/Proposed standards, strictest to date, will protect the health of all Americans, especially children

Release date: 01/07/2010

Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn milbourn.cathy@epa.gov 202-564-7849 202-564-4355

Complete article at yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf or  http://www.epa.gov

The United States Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the strictest health standards to date for smog. Smog, also known as ground-level ozone, is linked to a number of serious health problems, ranging from aggravation of asthma to increased risk of premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Ozone can even harm healthy people who work and play outdoors. The agency is proposing to replace the standards set by the previous administration, which many believe were not protective enough of human health.