Air pollution impacts some Americans more than others. Here's why. | JUST THE FAQS

Four out of 10 Americans breathe polluted air every day, and some are bearing that burden more than others. Here’s why. Public health experts have long known that air pollution is associated with health conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, and that communities of color face disproportionate exposure. Redlining, polluting industries and resulting unequal climate burdens are to blame, they said. The EPA’s national air quality standard for fine particulate matter is 12 micrograms per cubic meter. The agency is reviewing the standard and is likely to propose an update this summer. The study estimated that lowering the standard to 10 micrograms would prevent 4,800 deaths, and a standard of 8 micrograms would prevent more than 19,000 deaths. » USA TODAY delivers current local and national news, sports, entertainment, finance, technology, and more through award-winning journalism, photos, videos and VR. #JusttheFAQs