The EPA launches a crackdown on killer soot

Soot is one of the nation’s most widespread air pollutants, causing an estimated 85,000 to 200,000 excess US deaths annually .

The new standard will lower the annual soot standard to 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air, down from the previous standard of 12 .

Experts say the tightened standard will be particularly beneficial for poorer Americans and people of color, who are disproportionately exposed to soot emissions.

EPA declined to tighten soot standards in 2020 , despite outcry from EPA scientists, health experts and environmental advocates.

Environmental justice advocates and scientists have pushed EPA to go further and adjust the US 24-hour soot pollution limit, rather than allowing polluters to ramp up emissions on certain days .