But quality of life analyses also demonstrate that people value their woodburning stoves. That plume of smoke coming from a rural chimney still evokes pleasant feelings for many people. On the urban side, the same low-income urban dwellers bearing the brunt of pollution problems may also bear the brunt of pollution controls as owners of older vehicles. Industry groups have argued against the proposed standard from a scientific basis. States are concerned about the extreme costs of monitoring and controlling for PM2.5.
Proponents see no alternative if public health is to be protected.
But there is another element to the debate which cannot be resolved by science and economics alone. A review of a dozen or so comparative risk projects indicates that the nature of the PM problem in this country varies from one location to another. The tradeoffs people would face are different. Strict standards on motor vehicle manufacturers and power plants are one thing, restrictions on woodstoves or road sanding is another. As the pursuit of clean air hits closer and closer to home, the inclusion of the public in public health decisions is fundamental.