Let's See the Data Justifying a Stricter Ozone Standard

In the Government Concentrates Section of the October 29 issue of Chemical and Engineering News, GH reviews recent activity by the Environmental Protective Protection Agency with respect to concentrations of ozone in the ground-level atmosphere.




The current ozone standard is 75 parts per billion, which was established in 2008. There is no information on how that limit was established.



EPA now wants to reduce that level to 60 is 70 ppb. Ozone is indicated as an irritating air pollutant and EPA says it has "rationale" for reducing the standard. No mention is made on what that rationale consists of.



At least the EPA has started to consider money when making its pronouncements. In this case, it estimates that US businesses could lose $90 billion per year with the new standard, but that this cost would be offset by benefits to public health. There is no explanation of how these business costs were calculated and other benefits to public health.



Until we see a better analysis of cost-benefit, I am opposed to any change in the ozone standard. In fact, I also suggest that the present ozone standard should be reviewed to see whether it has really made a significant positive cost-benefit.