Standards for mercury and air toxics were at-risk

Statement of Albert A. Rizzo, MD, National Volunteer Chair of the American Lung Association, and pulmonary and critical care physician in Newark, Delaware

Washington, D.C. (March 8, 2012) —

“Today, the United States Senate rejected an amendment offered by Senator Susan Collins (ME) that would have placed the health of millions at risk. Just as we are on the verge of finally having updated standards for toxic air pollution emitted by boilers and garbage burners, big polluters and their allies in Congress have redoubled their effort to block these life-saving standards from taking effect.”
“Rolling back Clean Air Act protections by attaching Sen. Collins’ amendment to the Surface Transportation Act (S. 1813) would have needlessly exposed the public to unsafe levels of toxic air pollution that can make people sick or kill them. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, reducing emissions from industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, process heaters and incinerators will save up to 8,100 lives each year. It will also annually prevent 5,100 heart attacks and more than 52,000 asthma attacks.”
“The American Lung Association is so pleased that the U.S. Senate has once again stood up for public health and not big corporate polluters. By rejecting the Collins Amendment, fewer people will get sick and fewer people will die from breathing toxic air pollution.”

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About the American Lung Association Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA ( 1-800-586-4872 ) or visit  www.lung.org .

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