They are responsible for heart attacks, cardiovascular accidents, asthma and other diseases: fine particles. In the United States, Joe Biden announced stricter rules on Wednesday February 7 to limit the presence of these deadly pollutants in the air. From now on, the annual concentration of fine particles must not exceed 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air, compared to 12 previously.
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From 2032, when it will be fully in force, this new regulation will prevent 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost working days each year, says the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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Because air pollution and its harmful effects on health have a cost. And the first victims are disadvantaged African-American communities. They live, disproportionately, near industrial installations where the concentration of fine particles is higher than elsewhere. According to Joe Biden’s entourage, the new regulations are therefore also a measure of environmental justice. A major argument a few months before the elections.
But not for the industrial sector. Companies are up in arms against this new standard which, according to them, risks slowing down manufacturing production in the United States. Donald Trump, for his part, has already announced that he would abolish all of Joe Biden’s environmental standards, in the event of victory next November.
Also listen:Fine particles: how can we avoid indoor pollution?