Carnegie Mellon University. (2019, October 24). 30,000-plus U.S. lives could be saved by reducing air pollution levels below current standard. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 8, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190724104010.htm

A new study based at Carnegie Mellon University has found significant human health benefits “when air quality is better than the current national ambient air quality standard” in the United States. The study details that the complex mixture of chemicals of particulate matter caused by burning fossil fuels can “penetrate deep into the lungs”. The study explains that this can contribute to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and in severe cases, premature death. The study says that reducing the levels of particulate matter below the currently used standards would save nearly 30,000 lives, which is “similar to the number of deaths from car accidents each year.” The study claims that because of the rampant and widespread exposure to air pollution in the United States, everyone should be focused on air pollution and how to handle it as an urgent national issue. 

I completely agree with the researchers claiming that air pollution is a real national priority. Because of how widespread and dangerous the consequences of air pollution can be, we must come together, regardless of political party, and face this issue head on. Our children are being exposed to unhealthy levels of particulate matter before they have left the womb, and thousands of cases of adverse health effects have been reported throughout populations in the United States. We must take action as citizens and demand better standards for the amount of air pollution from our government. It is our right to be protected by our government, even if the threat is on our land and being produced by our corporations.