The Joe Biden administration announced that over 200 US chemical plants must now cut emissions linked to cancer.

This new rule announced on Tuesday (April 9) strengthens safeguards for communities, particularly those living near Gulf Coast facilities, by reducing their exposure to hazardous air pollution.

Residents of a Florida neighbourhood blame an old factory for their illnesses, raising concerns as developers plan to disturb the potentially toxic soil.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-air-pollution-leads-to-rise-in-cases-of-respiratory-infections-like-influenza-what-are-preventive-measures-705828" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-air-pollution-leads-to-rise-in-cases-of-respiratory-infections-like-influenza-what-are-preventive-measures-705828&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQlIr157eFAxX0UGcHHbcqBkYQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0pKtxINxLQVRQBp8N2c0mB&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-air-pollution-leads-to-rise-in-cases-of-respiratory-infections-like-influenza-what-are-preventive-measures-705828" target="_blank">Air&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;leads to rise in cases of respiratory infections</a>

Meanwhile, the EPA strengthens protections nationwide. The new rule targets emissions of ethylene oxide and chloroprene, linked to cancer and found in everyday products like antifreeze and shoes. “This is about clean air for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan, referencing communities like the one in Florida. “We’re fulfilling our promise to protect people from pollution and reduce cancer risks.”

Overdue for an update, the government is finally tightening pollution limits for chemical plants – the first revision since 2006. This strengthens protections by slashing toxic pollutants by 6,200 tonnes annually and dramatically reducing emissions of cancer-linked ethylene oxide and chloroprene by 80%.

The Clean Air Act update also mandates "fence-line monitoring" for six hazardous air pollutants, including those mentioned above plus vinyl chloride, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and ethylene dichloride. This increased transparency will empower communities to understand their local air quality.

"This demonstrates the administration's commitment to environmental justice," said Adam Kron, a senior attorney with Earthjustice. "By significantly reducing these pollutants, we'll see fewer illnesses and lives saved."

The EPA tightens regulations to curb cancer-causing ethylene oxide emissions from chemical plants.

New requirements include stricter monitoring for leaks and improved efficiency of pollution control flares. Ethylene oxide, a common air pollutant from these facilities, is classified as a human carcinogen by the EPA.

The rule sets a new limit of 0.2 microgrammes per cubic metre and mandates facilities to meet it within two years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQlIr157eFAxX0UGcHHbcqBkYQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CrNUQuSKhvn6K74HtAY27&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186" target="_blank">Electric vehicles emit more particle&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;than petrol, diesel cars</a>

A healthy environment is essential for a healthy society," stressed Congressman Troy Carter of Louisiana's second district, ahead of the EPA rule signing. "The wellbeing of people and communities living near industrial sites is paramount." Notably, the rule targets chloroprene, a carcinogen emitted from a single US&nbsp;facility – a Denka plant located in Louisiana's Cancer Alley.

The EPA's new chloroprene rule establishes two tiers of action levels for emissions at facility boundaries. If these levels, set at 0.8 and 0.3 microgrammes per cubic metre on average, are surpassed, the facility must take steps to reduce emissions. Notably, the EPA plans a swift implementation of the rule, requiring compliance within 90 days.

However, the response from experts working with affected communities in the region has been mixed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Joe Biden administration announced that over 200 US chemical plants must now cut emissions linked to cancer. This new rule announced on Tuesday (April 9) strengthens safeguards for communities, particularly those living near Gulf Coast facilities, by reducing their exposure to hazardous air pollution.

The Joe Biden administration announced that over 200 US chemical plants must now cut emissions linked to cancer. This new rule announced on Tuesday (April 9) strengthens safeguards for communities, particularly those living near Gulf Coast facilities, by reducing their exposure to hazardous air pollution. Residents of a Florida neighbourhood blame an old factory for their illnesses, raising concerns as developers plan to disturb the potentially toxic soil. Also read: Air pollution leads to rise in cases of respiratory infections Meanwhile, the EPA strengthens protections nationwide. The new rule targets emissions of ethylene oxide and chloroprene, linked to cancer and found in everyday products like antifreeze and shoes. “This is about clean air for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan, referencing communities like the one in Florida. “We’re fulfilling our promise to protect people from pollution and reduce cancer risks.” Overdue for an update, the government is finally tightening pollution limits for chemical plants – the first revision since 2006. This strengthens protections by slashing toxic pollutants by 6,200 tonnes annually and dramatically reducing emissions of cancer-linked ethylene oxide and chloroprene by 80%. The Clean Air Act update also mandates "fence-line monitoring" for six hazardous air pollutants, including those mentioned above plus vinyl chloride, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and ethylene dichloride. This increased transparency will empower communities to understand their local air quality. "This demonstrates the administration's commitment to environmental justice," said Adam Kron, a senior attorney with Earthjustice. "By significantly reducing these pollutants, we'll see fewer illnesses and lives saved." The EPA tightens regulations to curb cancer-causing ethylene oxide emissions from chemical plants. New requirements include stricter monitoring for leaks and improved efficiency of pollution control flares. Ethylene oxide, a common air pollutant from these facilities, is classified as a human carcinogen by the EPA. The rule sets a new limit of 0.2 microgrammes per cubic metre and mandates facilities to meet it within two years. Also read: Electric vehicles emit more particle pollution than petrol, diesel cars A healthy environment is essential for a healthy society," stressed Congressman Troy Carter of Louisiana's second district, ahead of the EPA rule signing. "The wellbeing of people and communities living near industrial sites is paramount." Notably, the rule targets chloroprene, a carcinogen emitted from a single US facility – a Denka plant located in Louisiana's Cancer Alley. The EPA's new chloroprene rule establishes two tiers of action levels for emissions at facility boundaries. If these levels, set at 0.8 and 0.3 microgrammes per cubic metre on average, are surpassed, the facility must take steps to reduce emissions. Notably, the EPA plans a swift implementation of the rule, requiring compliance within 90 days. However, the response from experts working with affected communities in the region has been mixed. (With inputs from agencies)

200 chemical plants in US face new limits on toxic emissions

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200 chemical plants in US face new limits on toxic emissions