As air pollution has developed into a major clinical and worldwide health issue, the ATS is committed more than ever to enhancing public health through research and support of regulatory and legislative priorities essential to advancing pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.
ATS clinicians primarily treat people with respiratory conditions who are especially vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution, and ATS scientists have been at the forefront of air pollution research. In a recent report, our experts found that reducing outdoor concentrations of two air pollutants, ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), to levels below those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would likely save thousands of lives each year, result in far fewer serious illnesses, and dramatically reduce missed days of school and work.
It is critical that ATS members play an active role in the development, implementation, and assurance of air quality policy. From offering science-based studies and testimony before congressional panels and lobbying members of Congress, to maintaining strong relationships with federal agencies and filing amicus briefs when regulations are challenged in court, see the ATS in action:
- ATS & Marron Institute Report: Tighter Air Pollution Standards May Save Thousands of Lives
- ATS Comments and Testimony
- ATS Sends Letters to Congress Opposing Regulatory Reform Bills
- ATS Joins Letter Opposing Riders to Block EPA Authority
- ATS Files Amicus Brief in Support of EPA's Clean Power
- ATS Joins Letter Opposing Ozone Standards Implementation Act Bill
- ATS Opposes Changes to EPA Scientific Advisory Board Process
- ATS Urges EPA to Regulate Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Extraction
- ATS Comments on OSHA's proposed Beryllium Standard
- Policy Brief
- 4/1/16: ATS Amicus Brief - WV v EPA Clean Power Plan 2016
