The stricter standards could prevent thousands of premature deaths, particularly in communities of color where people have breathed unhealthy air for decades. While business groups don’t dispute these enormous health benefits, they argue that the standards could cause major economic upheaval by erasing manufacturing jobs across the country.
The EPA is lowering the annual soot standard to 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air, down from the standard of 12 micrograms. When fully implemented in 2032, the stricter limit could prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays per year, according to the agency.
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***The tougher standard could avert up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays per year by 2032, according to the Biden administration***
The Environmental Protection Agency is strengthening limits on fine particulate matter, one of the nation’s most widespread [deadly air pollutants](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/01/06/epa-soot-pollution-biden/?itid=lk_inline_manual_2&itid=lk_inline_manual_2), prompting praise from public health experts and [backlash from business groups](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/01/19/soot-pollution-rule-biden-epa/?itid=lk_inline_manual_2).
The stricter standards could prevent thousands of premature deaths, particularly in communities of color where people have breathed unhealthy air for decades. While business groups don’t dispute these enormous health benefits, they argue that the standards could cause major economic upheaval by erasing manufacturing jobs across the country.
The rule illustrates the challenges facing the Biden administration as it balances two priorities: Reducing pollution in overburdened communities and reviving U.S. manufacturing. It comes as [Donald Trump](https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/candidates/donald-trump-2024/?itid=lk_inline_manual_4&itid=lk_inline_manual_5), the Republican presidential front-runner, campaigns on a pledge to dismantle many of President Biden’s environmental and economic policies.
Fine particulate matter, which includes soot, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure to these tiny particles [has been linked](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/06/07/wildfire-smoke-health-protection/?itid=lk_inline_manual_8) to asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes and other ailments.
The EPA is lowering the annual soot standard to 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air, down from the standard of 12 micrograms. When fully implemented in 2032, the stricter limit could prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays per year, according to the agency.
**Read more:** [**https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/02/07/epa-soot-limit-rule/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com**](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/02/07/epa-soot-limit-rule/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com)