Hand showing N95 respiratory medical face mask on sky background, prevent coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) and pm2.5 (particulate matter). healthcare, New normal and air pollution concept


The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing a particulate matter (PM) standard that will impact U.S. cleaning chemical manufacturers. Following up on plans announced in March, the Trump Administration shared they are actively pursuing revisions to the National Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter (PM2.5), updated by the Biden Administration in 2024. In November, a motion was filed to vacate the standard, claiming the former administration took a “regulatory shortcut” that inhibited the construction of new factories, Yahoo News reports.

A study investigating the impact of cleaning products on indoor air quality found that long-term exposure to PM from cleaners and disinfectants increased an individual’s risk of respiratory conditions. However, a new rule proposed by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin would forgo the economic cost of health resulting from fine particles and ozone regulations.

Opposition groups claim the new proposal would radically reduce public health, with an attorney at Clean Air Task Force, stating that the current standard avoids thousands of hospital cases, Clean Air Task Force affirms. On the other hand, industry groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), support this motion as they believe the updated standard has hindered operations.