Is it true that Secondary NAAQS are set to protect public health?

Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are established primarily to protect the environment and public welfare rather than public health. While primary standards are focused on protecting human health, secondary standards address broader concerns such as the detrimental effects of air pollution on animals, vegetation, and property, ensuring the quality of our ecosystems and the well-being of communities.

In light of this distinction, the assertion that secondary NAAQS are set to protect public health is inaccurate. They aim to safeguard various aspects of the environment, which, while indirectly beneficial to public health, are not directly aimed at reducing health risks associated with air pollutants. The focus on public welfare emphasizes the need to prevent activities that could lead to impaired visibility, damage to crops, or harm to wildlife, rather than specifically targeting health outcomes for individuals.