Air News Release (HQ): EPA Notifies States of Areas That Would Not Meet Tighter Lead Air Standards
*CONTACT:* Cathy Milbourn 202-564-7849 202-564-4355 milbourn.cathy@epa.gov * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *June 15, 2010 * EPA Notifies States of Areas That Would Not Meet Tighter Lead Air Standards** ** **WASHINGTON* - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has notified states of the initial list of areas that would not meet new, more protective national air quality standards for lead. Reducing lead in the environment is important because lead exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects, most notably in children. Exposures to low levels of lead early in life can have an adverse impact on IQ, learning, memory and behavior. In response to recommendations from state and tribal representatives, EPA's regional administrators sent letters to governors of all states and territories notifying them of their current status. EPA notified 12 of those states that they have at least one area under consideration for a nonattainment designation based on the 2008 lead standards. A nonattainment area would include counties with monitors that show violations of the lead standard and nearby areas contributing to that violation. Using data from currently operating monitors, EPA will designate nonattainment areas by October 2010. States and tribes may comment on the plans outlined in the letters, and provide additional information to EPA by Aug. 16, 2010. The public may also review the agency's plans and provide comment through Aug.16. On Oct.15, 2008, EPA substantially strengthened the air standards for lead by ten fold, setting them at 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter. EPA also established requirements for siting new lead air monitors that took effect on Jan. 1, 2010. EPA intends to make a second round of final designations in October 2011 using information from the new monitors. States and tribes may provide updated recommendations for the second round of designations by Dec. 15, 2010. Reducing levels of lead pollution is an important part of EPA's commitment to a clean, healthy environment. Although airborne lead levels have dropped dramatically in the United States, largely as a result of the transition to unleaded gas, the latest science indicates that the stronger standards are needed to protect children. More information: http://www.epa.gov/leaddesignations [ http://www.epa.gov/leaddesignations.htm ] R212 Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. View all news releases related to air issues [ http://service.govdelivery.com/service/edition.html?code=USAEPA_16&format=Web&email_type=bulletin ] ________________________________________________________________________ BP Oil Spill Response: Web site [ http://www.epa.gov/bpspill ] | Get email updates [ http://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USAEPA_389 ] EPA Seal You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ https://service.govdelivery.com/service/user.html?code=USAEPA&login=##email## ]. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [ http://www.epa.gov/ ]. Visit Us on Facebook [ http://facebook.com/epa ] Visit Us on Twitter [ http://twitter.com/epagov ] Visit Us on YouTube [ http://youtube.com/usepagov ] Visit Us on flickr [ http://flickr.com/usepagov ] This email was sent to ##email##. Sent by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW . Washington DC 20460 . 202-564-4355