If you’re one of the growing population of asthma sufferers, you’ll be glad to hear that the US EPA has announced it will lower the ground level ozone- aka smog- standards from 80 parts per billion (ppb) to 75 parts per billion.

The move could save 4000 lives per year, and 19 billion dollars in health costs attributed to asthma.

The Bush administration and industry are not happy with the ruling, siting increased costs and a possible weakening of the economy. Supporters say the cost to industry is far less than the costs in increased health care.

Smog is created when nitrogen oxide reacts with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline fumes, and emissions from power plants or industrial facilities all contribute substantial levels of VOCs and nitrogen oxide to the atmosphere.

Ground level ozone, unlike atmospheric ozone, is a major cause of lung related illnesses such as bronchitis, aggravated asthma, hospital and emergency room visits, non-fatal heart attacks, and premature death.

An independent scientific board has told officials that 50 to 60 ppb is required to eliminate ground level ozone effects all together. Two advisory boards to the government have offered opposing opinions, but the EPA has said that they disagree with their conclusions, and feel the improvement of the standard necessary. The lowering of the level has caused 345 of the 750 counties being monitored across the country to fall out of compliance.

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