SRES 561
A resolution recognizing that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death.
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Bill overview
This resolution acknowledges the significant health risks associated with particulate matter pollution, including heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death. It highlights the small size of these particles and their ability to penetrate deep into the body, causing harm to individuals with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The resolution emphasizes the link between particulate matter exposure and increased risk of stroke, lung cancer, and reduced lung function, particularly in children. It calls for the EPA to maintain and enforce safe standards for particulate matter nationwide.
Key provisions
- Recognizes the health risks of particulate matter pollution.
- Identifies particulate matter as a leading health risk factor.
- Links particulate matter exposure to increased risk of heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death.
- Notes the vulnerability of children to the effects of particulate matter.
- Highlights the role of fossil fuel combustion as a major source of pollution.
Who is affected
- Individuals with heart or lung disease
- Children
- Residents living near fossil fuel-fired power plants
- The general public
Notable changes
- The resolution calls for the EPA to maintain and enforce nationwide standards for particulate matter.
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
S. RES. 561
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
RESOLUTION
Recognizing that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death.
Whereas particulate matter pollution consists of tiny airborne particles made of a mix of sometimes hundreds of different chemicals and elements;
Whereas particulate matter particles are so small that when inhaled they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream;
Whereas particulate matter exposure can cause heart attacks, asthma, bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death for people with heart or lung disease;
Whereas people who experience long-term exposure to particulate matter pollution are twice as likely to experience hemorrhagic stroke;
Whereas evidence suggests that particulate matter exposure contributes to lung cancer incidence and mortality, even for nonsmokers;
Whereas a study by the California Air Resources Board found that children growing up in communities with high levels of particulate matter pollution had smaller lungs at age 18 than children living in communities with low levels of particulate matter pollution;
Whereas health scientists agree that particulate matter is a leading health risk factor in the United States and around the world;
Whereas combustion of fossil fuels is the largest source of particulate matter pollution in the United States; and
Whereas an estimated 80,000,000 individuals in the United States live within 3 miles of a fossil fuel-fired power plant, approximately 17,000,000 of whom are children: Now, therefore, be it
That—
the Senate recognizes that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death; and
it is the sense of the Senate that the Environmental Protection Agency should maintain and enforce safe nationwide standards for particulate matter.