Science News - October 6, 2004

Progress on PM

A U.S. EPA report released in September describes the quantitative link between exposure to ambient particulate matter and morbidity and mortality, which is one of the major accomplishments of the Particulate Matter Research Program during the past five years. EPA scientists, university grantees, and other scientists at U.S. research institutions conducted the research summarized in the report, which the agency described as “part of a federally coordinated effort to define particulate matter health effects.” In 1997, EPA revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter to set a standard for particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) after these pollutants were linked to cardiovascular problems. In 2004, EPA created additional regulations that the agency expects will further reduce PM2.5 emissions and prevent tens of thousands of premature deaths and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations. Particulate Matter Research Program: Five Years of Progress is available at www.epa.gov/pmresearch.