FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2008
EPA agrees, S.C. meets air quality standard
COLUMBIA – In a letter sent to S.C. Governor Mark Sanford, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared the state in compliance with the daily standard for particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers or less in the air, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“We’re pleased that the EPA’s agreed with Gov. Sanford’s recommendation that the state be declared in attainment with the standard,” said Myra Reece, chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality. “As the EPA continues to tighten air quality standards, the challenge for South Carolina and all other states will be to make sure we continue to take measures to keep our air as clean as possible. Through local compacts and other programs, we will continue our efforts to reduce the air pollution that contributes to particulate matter.”
Reece said particulate matter is a term used to describe a mixture of extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. When inhaled, these particles can go into the deepest parts of the lungs. Exposure to particulate matter pollution can be linked to a number of significant health problems including aggravated asthma to premature death in people with heart and lung disease.
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For more information:
Thom Berry – (803) 898-3885
E-mail – berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
BNR1869