Air pollution, encompassing harmful substances like ozone and fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, inflicts significant damage on nearly every major system within the human body. This pervasive environmental hazard has been scientifically linked to severe impacts on cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological health, contributing to increased mortality rates from conditions such as coronary heart disease and higher hospitalisation numbers for heart attacks and strokes.
The Role of the US Clean Air Act
Since its establishment in 1970, the US Clean Air Act has played a pivotal role in reducing air pollution levels across the nation. This landmark legislation has led to considerable health improvements and delivered substantial economic benefits by curbing emissions from industrial and vehicular sources. The act's enforcement has been credited with saving lives, lowering healthcare expenditure, and enhancing overall quality of life, with evidence including reductions in preterm births and asthma-related hospital admissions.
Policy Changes and Future Implications
However, the Trump administration has signalled intentions to alter the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) economic impact assessments for air pollution regulations. Specifically, plans involve dropping the monetary health benefits from these evaluations, with the EPA citing uncertainty in monetising health impacts as the rationale. This policy shift could result in new infrastructure projects, such as power plants, being constructed to less stringent pollution standards, potentially undermining decades of progress.
Numerous studies consistently affirm that reducing air pollution saves lives and reduces public health costs. The potential relaxation of standards threatens to reverse these gains, highlighting the critical need for robust regulatory frameworks to protect human health from airborne contaminants.
