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I moved to the LA area 10 years ago with very mild asthma, for
which I took an herbal allergy pill and had a rescue inhaler I
used occasionally.  After 4 years, I had fairly severe asthma, for
which I had to go on oral steroids temporarily, and over the next 2
years accumulated 8 medications I had to take every day, some twice
a day.  Finally my asthma became severe, and my pulmonologist told
me I needed to leave the LA area, or risk dying an early death
from lung damage.  I just moved to Northern California last month,
and I honestly feel a bit better already.  I'm hoping to decrease
my medications over time.

Please strengthen state air standards and reduce air pollution
from construction equipment, known technically as "In-Use Off-Road
Diesel Vehicles."  It is a good step in the right direction.  It
will help prevent others like me from having to completely alter
their lifestyles and become so dependent on medications in order
to breathe oxygen.  I can tell you, it is not fun, nor
inexpensive.

Some proven facts:

Construction equipment is the second largest source of diesel
pollution in the state, accounting for 20% of particulate matter
(soot) and 16% of smog-forming Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). These
pollutants are two of the biggest pollution hazards for public
health in California and throughout the country.

Exposure to smog can have serious effects on respiratory health.
Inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract can cause
shortness of breath, throat irritation, chest pains and coughing,
and lead to asthma attacks, hospital admissions and emergency room
visits.

Particulate air pollution or soot can be inhaled and reach deep
into the lungs. These tiny particulates can enter the circulatory
system and damage blood vessels. Particulate pollution is
associated with heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, asthma
attacks, reduced lung function and bronchitis.

These health impacts result in tens of thousands of premature
deaths in the U.S. from heart and lung disease annually, as well
as hospital admissions, emergency room visits, absences from
school or work, and restricted activities related to asthma
attacks. Children are especially vulnerable because their lungs
are still developing.

This new rule will:

Prevent 4,000 premature deaths;

Result in health benefits and reduced health care and hospital
visits of $18 to $26 billion;

Help bring the most polluted areas of the state, the Los
Angeles/Long Beach air basin and the San Joaquin Valley, into
attainment with federal air quality standards; and

By 2020, prevent 48 tons per day of NOx and 5 tons per day of
particulate air pollution from entering our air.

Thank you for your help in protecting others like me who are so
vulnerable to the smog and particulate pollution in the LA-Long
Beach area.

Most Sincerely,
Melinda Epler