Air pollution Quote by Jane Mayer
““In 1997, for instance, the EPA moved to reduce surface ozone, a form of air pollution caused, in part, by emissions from oil refineries. Susan Dudley, an economist who became a top official at the Mercatus Center, came up with a novel criticism of the proposed rule. The EPA, she argued, had not taken into account that by blocking the sun, smog cut down on cases of skin cancer. She claimed that if pollution were controlled, it would cause up to eleven thousand additional cases of skin cancer each year.””
About This Quote
Source Article: "The EPA’s Ozone Rule and the Cancer Debate", The New Yorker, 1997
An economist argued that reducing ozone could unintentionally increase skin cancer by allowing more UV exposure, highlighting complex trade‑offs in environmental policy.
In simple terms: Reducing smog might raise skin‑cancer risk due to more sunlight.
Key Takeaway
Consider unintended health impacts when regulating pollution.
Themes
environment
health
policy
trade‑offs
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
policy
environmental
When to use this quote
- environmental legislation
- public health planning
- risk communication
Key Concepts
externalities
risk assessment
regulatory analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance immediate health risks against long‑term environmental benefits?
- What other hidden effects might arise from well‑intentioned regulations?
A Different Perspective
The argument oversimplifies causality and ignores broader health benefits of cleaner air.
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