EPA STAFF EXPECTED TO RECOMMEND STRICTER LEAD NAAQS, SOURCES SAY

摘要

EPA and other observers are expecting agency staff in an upcoming paper will recommend proposing a significantly stricter national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for lead, pointing to what they say is overwhelming evidence of the metal's negative effects at lower exposure levels than the current primary standard set to protect human health. A source with EPA's Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) says conversations with agency staff have led the committee to believe EPA will follow CASAC's recommendation to set the standard at 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), a steep cut from the existing 1.5 ug/m3 level. "I'm fairly certain the staff will recommend a change" at or near CASAC's preferred NAAQS, the source says.