Alabama metro areas violate new air pollution limits

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected this week to identify approximately six counties in Alabama that exceed federal health standards for particle pollution, a significant health threat for over a million Alabama residents. This is the first time the agency will set boundaries for areas that violate limits for fine particulate pollution - tiny solids and liquid droplets of acids, chemicals, metals and dust that measure 1/20 the width of a human hair and can penetrate deeply into lung tissue, leading to severe illness and premature death. Particle pollution is released by power plants, other industrial sources as well as on-road and off-road vehicles.

Jackson, Walker, Jefferson, Shelby, Lee and Russell counties are among the counties likely to be identified as failing to meet the new air pollution standards. In addition, Birmingham has measured particulate levels that are the highest in the Southeast. These "nonattainment" areas will have to meet clean-up requirements by a 2010 deadline under the federal Clean Air Act. Those that fail to meet the deadline risk facing stricter regulations on dirty power plants and other industrial sources, and the loss of highway construction funds.

"This is a wake up call for Alabama to do more to protect the health of its citizens," said David Farren, SELC Senior Attorney. "There is no excuse to delay saving lives and millions of dollars in health costs."

In Alabama, 643 people suffer premature deaths, and over 500 more are hospitalized each year due to particle pollution, according to EPA estimates. In addition, it causes 13,480 asthma attacks each year across the state, 646 severe enough to require trips to the emergency room. Achieving the particle pollution standard would save 23,000 lives per year nationwide.

The Southern Environmental Law Center has urged EPA to designate enough counties to allow comprehensive and long-lasting clean-up measures. Alabama, however, recommended that only one county, Jefferson, be identified as having unhealthy air. EPA is expected to make the final boundary decision on Wednesday.