Poder Latinx Expresses Optimism Over EPA’s Tighter Air Quality Standards

NATIONWIDE - On February 7th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a plan to strengthen a critical national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for fine particle pollution, also known as PM2.5, to protect communities, workers and families, including those most overburdened by pollution.

Fine particles, also called soot, can penetrate deep into the lungs and can result in serious health effects that include asthma attacks, heart attacks, and premature deaths. 

Soot disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions. Since the sources of soot are common in low-income communities, this puts communities of color at more significant risk throughout the United States. Poder Latinx celebrates the progress the EPA is making and is committed to supporting its initiatives as we want to protect the Latinx and BIPOC communities nationwide. 

The following statement is attributed to Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director of Poder Latinx:

“Soot has been detrimental to the respiratory health of Latinx families, and it is a silent assailant that is not talked about enough. No one should get sick from the place they call home, but unfortunately, this has become a reality for many members of our community. We celebrate the EPA’s drive for tighter rules towards improving air quality standards so all minority and underrepresented families can rest easily, knowing their health is not at risk when they leave their homes. We need, however, to strengthen policies around better air and environmental protections so no one in America has to pay the hefty price of risking their health at the expense of high polluters who disregard human life and our natural resources. If these companies are getting richer while vulnerable communities deal with economic and health catastrophes, much more must be done - especially during this election year."

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