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Better Building [Edition #12]
Better Building is Kaiterra's monthly digest sent via email. To be the first to receive each monthly edition straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe here .
IN THIS EDITION [3 min read]
?? EPA takes bold action: yearly PM2.5 standard set for stricter limits
?? Climate change set to erase decades of U.S. air quality improvements
?? Study reveals escalating wildfires are sparking major health concerns
THIS MONTH IN IAQ
EPA’s stricter PM2.5 limits signal a lifeline for some and an urgent wake-up call for a nation.
In?the recent announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), new and stricter limits have been set for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The annual limit has been reduced from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter, aiming to address the dangers associated with this type of air pollution.?
The EPA estimates that the tighter standards could prevent approximately 4,500 premature deaths and 800,000 asthma-related emergency visits annually by 2032, potentially reducing healthcare costs by around $46 billion.
The significance of this development lies in the potential improvement of air quality across the nation, particularly benefiting communities facing the highest pollution levels. While the new standards won't eliminate existing disparities, they are expected to make a positive impact, especially in areas where people are disproportionately exposed to polluted air. The stricter regulations are considered a crucial step in addressing a major public health hazard, with implications for environmental justice and the overall well-being of affected communities.
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THIS MONTH IN AN IMAGE
Slow Burn: Climate change threatens decades of progress, and will unevenly affect U.S. air quality through 2054.
领英推荐
INDUSTRY NEWS
IMPORTANT
INVESTING IN AMERICA: The U.S. Government has committed nearly $83 million to expand and upgrade the nation's air quality monitoring networks, aligning with the Justice40 Initiative. This funding, provided through the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to bolster monitoring networks, especially in disadvantaged communities, helping to detect and mitigate air pollution. By improving monitoring infrastructure and expanding access to data, the initiative aligns with President Biden's commitment to environmental justice and ensuring cleaner air for all Americans.
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INTERESTING
POLLINATORS THREATENED: A new study reveals that air pollution, specifically nitrate radicals and ozone pollutants, disrupts plant reproduction by masking the scents of flowering plants. The chemicals from combustion impact pollinators, such as bumble bees and moths, making it harder for them to locate and pollinate flowers. Researchers warn of the potential consequences for plant health, food systems, and food security.
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CRAZY
BREAKING BARIERS: California-based company Joby Aviation has secured an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch electric air taxi services in the Emirate by 2025. The all-electric vertical take-off and landing air taxis promise swift, clean, and sustainable urban mobility in Dubai.
OTHER VERY GOOD READS
?? EU countries demand 10 extra years to meet air pollution targets
???? Milan bans heavy vehicles, imposes other measures during bout of air pollution
???? Indoor air is a major cause of heart disease deaths in low-income countries
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 5-7, 2024 | Santa Fe, NM