EPA wants tighter US smog controls

AFP, June, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday proposed stricter standards for air quality by lowering ground-level ozone standards, saying the current levels do not protect public health.

The EPA's proposal, which is to be put to a public debate over the next three months, suggests lowering the level of acceptable ozone to 0.070 to 0.075 parts per million. Its current eight-hour ozone standard is 0.08 ppm.

Ozone is the main component of smog, which can harm the lungs and is particularly dangerous for those with lung disease or asthma, the EPA said in a statement.

"Based on science, the current standard is insufficient to protect public health," EPA administrator Stephen Johnson told a news conference.

One expert said the 0.070...