Updated EPA pollution standards to help communities of color
The EPA has announced new air pollution standards that, in part, are designed to help communities of color.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Environmental Protection Agency recently updated national air-quality standards due to negative health impacts of particulate matter exposure. The importance of these new regulations comes on the heels of a study that found particulate matter is responsible for eight heart-related diseases.
Particulate matter is a term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. This includes things like dirt, dust, smoke, or soot. Oftentimes this matter is not seen by the naked eye, but it's there.
It is estimated the new standards will save an estimated 4,500 lives and deliver $46 billion in health benefits in 2032.
Statistics show that Black people are five times more likely to be killed from pollution-related diseases. Those diseases include asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney and liver diseases, neurological disorders, and skin diseases.
The numbers break down further to these:
- Black seniors are three times more likely to die from pollution-related diseases, according to a survey from NBC News.
- 76% of Black people are concerned about polluted water as determined by a Gallup Poll.
- Black people have a 30% more chance of getting asthma, according to a survey done by the Department of Human Health.
Rich Segal spoke with Reverent Lennox Yearwood, who, in addition to being a veteran and a minister, is the president and CEO of Hip Hop Caucus.
The national nonprofit advances equal rights through the power of hip hop. The caucus has been increasing awareness on how disproportionate pollution is on communities of color. This carries further the message that was put out years when there were demands for "environmental justice."