May 28, 2009 - According to a recent report from the American Lung Association, 60 percent of Americans live in regions with unhealthful air quality, where high levels of ozone and particulate pollution may be causing more health problems than previously estimated. High levels of air pollution have a known negative effect on respiratory health, especially for children, whose developing lungs are particularly vulnerable.

A National Research Council committee performed a health-based review of available data, and in 2008 concluded that short-term exposure to ambient ozone, a major component of ground-level pollution, is likely to contribute to premature deaths. In Estimating Mortality Risk Reduction and Economic Benefits from Controlling Ozone Air Pollution, the committee assessed methods for estimating how much of a reduction in short-term exposure to ozone would lead to a reduction in premature deaths, and to assess methods for estimating the monetary value of the reduced risk of premature death and increased life expectancy in the context of health-benefits analysis. The data from the additional research recommended by the committee will provide direction and evidential support for EPA’s future regulations.

To further assist EPA's decision-making processes and formulation of environmental public policy, the Research Council also issued Models in Environmental Decision Making. Models help EPA explain environmental phenomena in settings where direct observations are limited or unavailable and assess the possible implications of different policies. The report recommends a series of guidelines and principles for improving the development and use of environmental regulatory models at the agency.

• American Lung Association’s State of the Air: 2009 Health Risks Overview