Other News...
sponsored by Richardson Repair

EPA wants tougher lead rules

Send a link to a friend

[May 02, 2008]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a major tightening of the health standard for airborne lead. It says lead levels in the air have dropped significantly but remain a health concern, especially for children.

The federal lead health standard has not been changed in 30 years. The EPA on Thursday proposed requiring air concentrations of lead to be nearly cut in half from what they are today.

Lead pollution declined substantially after the toxic material was banned in gasoline. But there are still emissions from industrial sources such as smelters. EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock said he hoped to have a final rule by the end of the year.

Lead causes neurological problems and learning disabilities, especially in children, and has been linked to heart ailments.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

< Top Stories index

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law & Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health & Fitness | Teen Scene
Calendar | Letters to the Editor