Increasing pollution decreases quality of life

Several members of Congress have introduced a bill that intends to remove important air quality standards, which will increase air pollution. The bill, H.R. 2288, would cancel out the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule that says particulate matter (PM2.5) must be kept at or below a certain level. If it passes, the bill would increase the amount of PM2.5 – tiny particulate matter just 2.5 micrograms or smaller – that is allowed to be in the air we breathe. 

This bill is a big deal because we know that PM2.5 is extremely harmful to our health. Because these particles are so tiny, they can be absorbed directly into our bloodstream when we breathe them in. When pregnant people are exposed to PM2.5, it increases the likelihood that their babies will need a ventilator after birth. When children are exposed to PM2.5, it damages their IQ, their cognitive development, and the health and development of their lungs. In adults, exposure to higher levels of PM2.5 causes an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and even dementia. Learn more about PM2.5 and the harmful health impacts of H.R. 2288 in our blog post. 

Let your representatives know that you don’t want them to lower air quality standards! Add your own story to our sample message and ask your representatives to protect our health by protecting air quality standards.