Noting that genetic predisposition is the major cause of the disease, Phalen pointed out that a host of substances, in varying combinations, actually trigger the attacks. Claiming that the proposed air regulations will significantly decrease asthma is not only not responsible, but it can endanger lives, because people will not look at the real causes of asthma, and the real problems will be exacerbated. Phalen contends that EPA failed to address other important questions in creating its new standards. The nation's dairy industry, a major contributor to public health, may be driven out of business as a consequence of the new standards, Phalen said. Phalen reported that representatives of California's dairy industry are already contemplating leaving the state, which will be hard hit by EPA's new rules.
Society derives enormous benefits from diesel engines, which also produce air-borne particulates.
Personal or political fortune, advocacy, or politics, could determine health policy in this country. I'm really afraid of the position we are in right now.