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EPA says it will no longer consider health costs in pollution regulations

The regulation sets levels of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide — emissions that generate ozone and particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) ...

PM2.5, which experts say is the nation’s deadliest air pollutant, can travel through a person’s lungs and easily infiltrate the bloodstream. Short-term exposure can trigger respiratory problems such as coughing and asthma symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. The fine particulates have also been linked to heart attack, stroke and lung cancer.

“The benefits of these standards are primarily lives saved,” said Richard Revesz, a law professor at New York University and a former Biden administration official. “Following this approach (weakening EPA air pollution regulation) would increase premature deaths by tens of thousands a year.”

• https://wapo.st/3NGkQWA

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