New limits on the concentration of fine particles allowed in America have been approved: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has largely accepted the requests of doctors and experts, and gives the States of the Union until 2032 to fully comply.
A growing body of data confirms the links between particulate emissions and the development of serious and often lethal diseases such as cancer and heart disease, the EPA pointed out, establishing that the average annual concentration of particulates within the borders of each state must not exceed 9 micrograms ' (mcg) cubic permeter of air.
Until now this limit was set at 12 mcg.
The lung health association had called for the limits to be lowered to 8 mcg.
The EPA has thus approached the requests of specialists, oncologists and cardiologists: according to Francesca Dominici, a Harvard scientist, the new limits will be able to save at least 4,500 lives in the first year alone.
The data emerging from Dominici's studies show that the reduction of fine dust in accordance with the new limits will save at least 143,000 deaths due to pollution every decade: "It is a great victory for public health", said the scientist.
These particulates - emitted by the combustion of oil, diesel and wood in factories, for heating, by cars, but also by fireplaces and bonfires - are inhaled and penetrate deeply into the lungs.
Exposure to these particulates increases the risks of many diseases, from heart disease to cancer, to risks of cardiac arrest, asthma, stroke and neurological disorders.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA