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NTC EPA TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT ASTHMATICS FROM SULFUR DIOX.

Release Date: 01/13/97
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NTC EPA TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT ASTHMATICS FROM SULFUR DIOX.

FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1997 EPA TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT ASTHMATICS FROM SULFUR DIOXIDE


EPA has taken action to protect the health of the 11 million asthmatics in the United States who may be repeatedly exposed to brief but high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2). The new program will be administered by the states.

Adverse health effects of high SO2 concentrations include breathing problems, respiratory illness and aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Asthmatics, the elderly, and children are most susceptible to SO2. Although EPA believes the current SO2 standard is protective of public health, the Agency also is concerned that some asthmatics in very localized situations may be repeatedly exposed to high, short-term SO2 levels while engaged in mild physical activity.

Therefore, the Agency is proposing a state-administered "Intervention Level" program to address high, short-term (five-minute) levels of SO2. The program would be managed by the states, because EPA believes they are in the best position to determine which industrial facility or other pollution source is causing the localized problem, and to rectify it in the most flexible and cost-effective manner possible.

The Intervention Level program establishes two five-minute ambient concentration levels: a "concern" level of 0.6 parts per million (ppm), and an "endangerment" level of 2.0 ppm. At or above the concern level, states are encouraged by EPA to investigate the frequency, magnitude and sources of the problem; consider the risk to nearby populations; determine if corrective action is necessary; and, if so, implement the corrective action. If the  endangerment level is exceeded, EPA expects the state to take remedial action to prevent imminent and substantial danger to public health and welfare.

Today's action appeared Jan.2 in the Federal Register, but is also computer-accessible through EPA's electronic bulletin board system, the Technology Transfer Network (TTN) at 919-541-5742 (backup number for access problems is 919-541-5384).  The notice can be found on the TTN's Clean Air Act Amendments Bulletin Board under "Recently Signed Rules." The TTN can also be accessed directly through the World Wide Web at: http://ttnwww.rtpnc.epa.gov.

For further information, contact Eric Crump of EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards at 919-541-4719.

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