EPA Particulate Matter Proposal Prompts Scientific Debate Over Health Risks

EPA science advisers are calling on the agency to defend its proposal to reject tightening the annual standard for fine air particles, arguing that evidence of potential cardiovascular and other public health risks warrant the tougher requirements. The request underscores an emerging debate prompted by EPA's proposal yesterday to strengthen the current daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) standard, while rejecting a staff recommendation to tighten the annual requirements. The debate over the scientific basis of EPA's proposal moves the issue...