Recognizing that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death.

Recognizing that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death.

Whereas particulate matter pollution consists of tiny airborne particles made of a mix of sometimes hundreds of different chemicals and elements;

Whereas particulate matter particles are so small that when inhaled they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream;

Whereas particulate matter exposure can cause heart attacks, asthma, bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death for people with heart or lung disease;

Whereas people who experience long-term exposure to particulate matter pollution are twice as likely to experience hemorrhagic stroke;

Whereas evidence suggests that particulate matter exposure contributes to lung cancer incidence and mortality, even for nonsmokers;

Whereas a study by the California Air Resources Board found that children growing up in communities with high levels of particulate matter pollution had smaller lungs at age 18 than children living in communities with low levels of particulate matter pollution;

Whereas health scientists agree that particulate matter is a leading health risk factor in the United States and around the world;

Whereas combustion of fossil fuels is the largest source of particulate matter pollution in the United States; and

Whereas an estimated 80,000,000 individuals in the United States live within 3 miles of a fossil fuel-fired power plant, approximately 17,000,000 of whom are children: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That—

(1) the Senate recognizes that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death; and

(2) it is the sense of the Senate that the Environmental Protection Agency should maintain and enforce safe nationwide standards for particulate matter.