Scientist Civic Engagement and the US Ozone Standards in 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In 2020, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to retain, without revision, its national primary and secondary ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). As exposure scientists and environmental epidemiologists, we recognized that this decision may not have reflected the most updated research on ozone and population health effects. We thus aimed to inform the EPA of the state-of-the-science through official channels. METHODS: Within the North American Chapter (NAC) of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE), the Policy Committee worked as a team to gather, synthesize, and communicate evidence on ozone effects on population health. For the ozone NAAQS, one member attended the oral comment sessions and led the effort to draft and submit a written comment to the EPA. RESULTS:At the ISEE NAC Policy Committee, we recognized a proposed ruling that would have affected air quality in the US. We effectively organized to engage government stakeholders and communicate the latest research on ozone and population health. These actions entered into the public record a statement aimed at a general audience on the effects of ozone along with supporting scientific articles. Such materials could be considered in a court of law if and when a decision on the ozone NAAQS is contested. CONCLUSIONS:Environmental exposure and epidemiology research have the potential to inform policy decisions. The ISEE NAC Policy Committee provides an avenue for scientists to gain experience in communicating the research implications to decision-makers. KEYWORDS: Ozone, Research translation, Science communication, Policy