By Lucy Chubb New research confirms that the quality of air circulating through the lungs is a contributing factor to serious illness and premature death.
New research confirms that breathing soot particles can lead to serious illness and premature death.
A study sponsored by the Health Effects Institute reinforces the conclusions of two previous studies that found particulate matter to be harmful to human health. The particles in question are discharged by combustion sources such as power plants, factories and vehicles. In 1997, the Environmental Protection Agency used the findings of the two studies as ammunition to set stronger clean-air standards for airborne soot particulate. Research spurred the Environmental Protection Agency to toughen air-quality standards. EPA's tougher standards met resistance from industry and members of Congress.