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1/ Pollution from particulate matter kills people.
But the EPA is refusing to reduce the amount of particulate matter emitted into the air.
So let me tell you exactly what particulate matter is, since you could be inhaling it. (THREAD)
But the EPA is refusing to reduce the amount of particulate matter emitted into the air.
So let me tell you exactly what particulate matter is, since you could be inhaling it. (THREAD)
2/ Particulate matter is microscopic. It can float in the air and can stay around for a long time.
It comes from cars, power plants, wildfires… basically anything that burns fossil fuels.
It comes from cars, power plants, wildfires… basically anything that burns fossil fuels.
3/ These particles typically consist of a range of different substances — organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust, to name a few.
The EPA’s decision was about fine particulate matter — particles so small they’re 1/30th the width of a human hair.
The EPA’s decision was about fine particulate matter — particles so small they’re 1/30th the width of a human hair.
4/ When you inhale, the particles can get stuck in your lungs or bloodstream. That’s when the problems happen.
5/ Particulate matter can cause inflammation and damage lung tissue. It leads to all sorts of problems like COPD and worsening asthma. It has been linked to higher rates of COVID deaths. https://www.propublica.org/article/new-research-shows-disproportionate-rate-of-coronavirus-deaths-in-polluted-areas
6/ Sometimes polluters release particulate matter directly up the chimney/flue/smokestack.
Sometimes, other air pollutants mix together to form particulate matter.
Either way, it hurts your lungs.
Sometimes, other air pollutants mix together to form particulate matter.
Either way, it hurts your lungs.
7/ Scientists told the EPA that further restricting particulate matter emissions could save tens of thousands of people from premature deaths.
The manufacturing industry says it would cost them ~$20 billion to comply.
The manufacturing industry says it would cost them ~$20 billion to comply.
8/ But EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler has decided to reaffirm his April decision to ignore scientists and keep the rules as they are.
Even if a new administrator takes over, it could take years to put healthier standards into place.
Even if a new administrator takes over, it could take years to put healthier standards into place.
9/ He made his decision “after carefully reviewing [the] scientific evidence and consulting with the agency’s independent science advisors,” an EPA spokesperson said in a statement.
10/ But here’s what an expert we talked to said.
The EPA has an “apparatus of particulate matter science denial” that rivals its attacks on climate science, said @H_C_Frey, environmental engineering professor at NC State University.
The EPA has an “apparatus of particulate matter science denial” that rivals its attacks on climate science, said @H_C_Frey, environmental engineering professor at NC State University.
11/ EPA disbanded a 26-member scientific panel that advised the agency on particulate pollution. It’s trying to discredit key studies that show how harmful particulate matter is.
12/ So, to be absolutely clear:
Particulate matter kills people. "It is responsible for more deaths and sickness than any other air pollutant in the world,” said @GretchenTG, research director @UCSUSA.
Read the full story here: https://www.propublica.org/article/the-epa-refuses-to-reduce-pollutants-linked-to-coronavirus-deaths
Particulate matter kills people. "It is responsible for more deaths and sickness than any other air pollutant in the world,” said @GretchenTG, research director @UCSUSA.
Read the full story here: https://www.propublica.org/article/the-epa-refuses-to-reduce-pollutants-linked-to-coronavirus-deaths
13/ And sign up for ProPublica’s big story newsletter to get more stories like these in your inbox: http://go.propublica.org/bigstory-social
