For the first time in 30 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed tougher standards on lead emissions.

Environmentalists, health advocates and other consumer groups have long called for the EPA to issue more stringent emission standards for lead.

The new standards could be better.

Still, it is encouraging that the EPA finally took action to limit the amount of allowable airborne lead concentrations by up to 93 percent from today’s standard.

The proposed new standard for lead emissions is expected to be final in September.

There is still time for the EPA to issue even stronger rules after Labor Day.

Now that the EPA has shown a willingness to issue stronger emission rules for lead, it should be encouraged to offer Americans greater protection from mercury, ozone and all pollutants from coal-fired power plants, among other sources.

Lead is a heavy metal and a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissues and bone.

The EPA says about 1,300 tons are released into the environment each year.

It can be inhaled or ingested after it settles out of the air.

It is absorbed into the bloodstream and affects many organs.

It can harm the nervous system, cause learning disabilities.

It can cause high blood pressure, memory loss and heart problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics believes there should be greater protection of children from lead emissions.

Lead emissions can come from fuel combustion, smelters, chemical manufacturing, solvents, cement manufacturing, aviation fuel, petroleum refineries and other sources.

Mercury emissions come from coal-fired power plants and other sources.

The EPA, which has been chastised in a federal court ruling for its failure to adequately protect the public from toxic mercury emissions, should issue strong new emission standards for mercury as well as for lead.

Seven years on, the Bush administration has yet to show Americans that it truly is serious about protecting their air.