Several recently published community health studies indicate that significant respiratory and cardiovascular-related problems are associated with exposure to particle levels well below the existing particulate matter standards. These negative effects include premature death, hospital admissions from respiratory causes, and increased respiratory symptoms. Long-term exposure to particulate matter may increase the rate of respiratory and cardiovascular illness and reduce life span. Eight percent of urban non-smoker lung cancer risk is due to coarse particulate matter in soot from diesel trucks, buses and cars. EPA also estimates that the new particulate matter standards, along with clean air programs already planned, will reduce premature deaths by about 15,000 a year and serious respiratory problems in children by about 250,000 cases a year.
Fine particles can soil manmade materials, speed their deterioration, and impair visibility.
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