Air Quality In 25 US States Is Endangering Children, Elderly

BOISE, Idaho — Most states west of the Rocky Mountains contain areas that fail to meet new pollution standards for microscopic particles that can cause breathing problems for children and the elderly, federal officials said. The Environmental Protection Agency released its list Monday of counties, areas or tribal lands that are exceeding daily standards for fine particle pollution caused by emissions from vehicles, industry and wood stoves, among other sources. In the western United States, Utah, Montana, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska had "nonattainment areas" exceeding the standards, which were toughened in 2006. Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Nevada had no nonattainment areas. The nonattainment areas "need to build stronger partnerships and work harder to protect their people from adverse health effects of air pollution," said Elin Miller, the EPA's regional administrator in Seattle. The agency said parts or all of seven counties in northern ... (link)