Particulate pollution is one of the most formidable air quality challenge facing California today. State studies have found that meeting the State's more stringent standards for particulate pollution would annually prevent 6,500 cases of premature mortality; 32,000 cases of bronchitis in children; 340,000 asthma attacks; 2.8 million lost work days; and 3,000 cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations among those older than 65. In recognition of the serious impacts of particulate pollution, the state adopted more stringent air quality standards for particulate matter in June, 2002. The vast majority of the state is out of compliance with the these more stringent state particulate matter standards. Some areas of the state experience up to 100 unhealthy days for particulate matter every year with periods of stagnant air that can last several days. The dramatic increase in statewide asthma rates, especially among children, provides a compelling reason to strengthen the state's air quality laws and reduce particulate pollution. Asthma prevalence has increased 75% in California since 1980 and asthma rates in children in California are very high. In the Fresno area, one in eight children has asthma. Children with asthma miss more school days than other students and are more adversely impacted by poor air quality. SB 656 is an essential component of a strong air quality plan in California. Without SB 656, Californians will have to wait many years for the federal government to act to control particulate pollution. Make your voice heard for strong air quality laws and support SB 656 today!