Particulate matter air pollution has been on the rise since 2017, according to new research. Wildfires, economic activity, and lax regulation are potentially to blame.
"After years of decline, a spike in air pollution may have taken the lives of almost 10,000 additional Americans over two years," reports Eric Roston.
"Following a 24% drop between 2009 and 2016, particulate matter air pollution in the U.S. increased 5.5% in 2017 and 2018, according to a new analysis of Environmental Protection Agency data by two Carnegie Mellon economists."
Researchers "found evidence for three potential sources of the pollution rebound: increased economic activity, virulent wildfires and a smaller number of EPA enforcement actions."
The National Bureau of Economic Research published the working paper this week.
Read the full story: U.S. Air Quality Was Improving. Now It’s Getting Worse
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