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   | | Environmental Health | | | March 14, 2008 | | "Half measures and compromises are not enough" says Lung Association | By Mike Magee, MD  Jim Cundiff, Program Director, Central Area, of the American Lung Association of Florida, was good enough to make me aware of the Association's strong reaction to the EPA's recent action on Air Quality Standards. The announcement didn't mince words. It began like this:
"Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a critical tightening of the health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. We wish we could be happier about this decision, but we cannot. The standard announced today, although an improvement, falls far short of the requirements of the Clean Air Act. We are unable to celebrate half measures when the risks are so evident, when the science and the scientists are so united about what is needed and when the missed opportunity means that thousands will suffer more and die sooner than they should. Furthermore, we reject the suggestions made by the Administrator to weaken and undermine the Clean Air Act itself. Coming from the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, such suggestions are truly outrageous."
It goes on to outline in CEO Bernadette Toomey's words "half measures and compromises" - which for all of us concerned about the interface between health, science and the environment, have become distressingly familiar over the past 8 years. This is certainly worth a read, as well as some reflection on what to do, and how far to go, to serve the people and the people caring for and serving the people in the next Administration. There will be a great deal of "catch-up" to do. Proper targets and proper pacing measured against societal readiness will define success.
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|  I think we should have health care paid for by the government for everyone. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but a socialized medical system like Canada has."  Hard for the insured, too  Keep health care private!  Work to stay healthy  Testing is important  Please keep it affordable  Everybody deserves a chance  | Dr. Tom Linden's Health Blog | | |  Without the Wilderness, There Can Be No Wilderness Medicine Don't go to the Hospital Without these Ten Safety Tips Ain’t Nobody’s Fault But Mine Can Health Plans Explain Why They Aren't Re-Empowering Primary Care? Post-Election Healthcare Reform Yearning for Universal Coverage Is Not Universal Is America's Health Care System Failing? Probiotics: Hope or Hype? |
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