Brian Barton
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common air pollutants known as criteria air pollutants. These pollutants are harmful to public health and the environment and are found all over the United States. They are particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. The EPA works with state, tribal, and local air agencies to attain these standards throughout the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pollutants | Six |
| Type of pollutants | Particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead |
| Harm | Can be harmful to public health and the environment |
| National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) | Primary and secondary standards |
| Primary standards | Provide public health protection for sensitive populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly |
| Secondary standards | Provide public welfare protection, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings |
| Review | Periodically reviewed and may be revised |
| Attainment status | A federal designation of whether the air quality in a state or area meets the NAAQS |
| State implementation plans (SIPs) | Required for states designated as nonattainment to detail the path to attaining and maintaining NAAQS |
| Progress | In New Hampshire, air quality currently meets all federal standards |
| Lead emissions | Levels of lead in the air nationally have decreased by 98% between 1980 and 2014 due to EPA regulatory efforts |
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What You'll Learn
Particulate matter
Particle pollution is not just found in haze, smoke, or dust; it can also be present in air that appears clean. It can be challenging to detect because some particles are invisible to the naked eye. However, when their levels are high, the air becomes hazy and thick, making the pollution more noticeable. Particle pollution can remain in the atmosphere for extended periods, sometimes travelling great distances from its original source and affecting air quality in regions far away.
Fine particles, particularly those with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller (known as PM2.5), pose the greatest risk to human health. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, and the smallest ones may even enter the bloodstream, causing harm to various organs in the body, including the lungs, heart, and brain. People living near emission sources, such as busy roads, urban areas, and industrial zones, are at a higher risk of exposure to particle pollution.
To address this issue, the EPA has implemented national and regional rules to reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to particulate matter. These regulations help state and local governments meet the Agency's national air quality standards. Additionally, the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) provides daily information on outdoor air quality and associated health risks, helping individuals take necessary precautions to protect their health. The EPA also works with community organizations through the Air Quality Flag Program to notify citizens of harmful conditions and adjust outdoor activities accordingly.
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Ozone
The health effects of ozone pollution have been well-studied, and it has been confirmed that ozone harms people at levels currently found in the United States. Ozone aggressively attacks lung tissue through chemical reactions, and exposure to ozone pollution can cause serious health problems, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as lung diseases (e.g. asthma) or metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity). Additionally, women may face higher respiratory health risks from ozone exposure.
The impact of ozone exposure on health can vary depending on factors such as the concentration of ozone, the duration of exposure, and individual characteristics. For example, the risks are greater if ozone levels are higher, if an individual is breathing faster due to work or exercise, or if they spend more time outdoors. Even short-term exposure to ozone pollution can have negative consequences, as demonstrated by a study of lifeguards in Galveston, which showed greater obstruction of their airways on days with high ozone levels. Furthermore, strong evidence indicates that exposure to ozone increases the risk of premature death, even when other pollutants are present.
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Carbon monoxide
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six commonly found air pollutants known as criteria air pollutants. These pollutants are harmful to public health and the environment and can cause property damage. One of these six criteria pollutants is carbon monoxide (CO).
The presence of carbon monoxide in the air is a major concern due to its harmful effects on human health. When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream and combines with hemoglobin, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. This can lead to serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and even death in extreme cases. Individuals with heart or lung conditions, as well as children and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of carbon monoxide exposure.
To protect public health and welfare, the EPA has established NAAQS for carbon monoxide. These standards set allowable limits for carbon monoxide concentrations in outdoor air. By implementing measures to reduce carbon monoxide emissions and monitor air quality, the EPA strives to ensure that the levels of this harmful pollutant remain within safe limits across the United States.
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Sulfur dioxide
The presence of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. In terms of human health, sulfur dioxide can irritate the respiratory system, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. It can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of sulfur dioxide may lead to the development of respiratory issues even in healthy individuals.
To protect public health and minimize the harmful impacts of sulfur dioxide, the EPA has established primary and secondary standards. These standards set permissible levels of sulfur dioxide in the ambient air. The primary standards are based on protecting human health, while the secondary standards aim to prevent environmental and property damage. By implementing these standards and working collaboratively with state, tribal, and local air agencies, the EPA strives to attain and maintain healthy air quality levels throughout the country.
Additionally, the EPA conducts periodic reviews of the NAAQS for sulfur dioxide to ensure that the standards remain effective and up-to-date. These reviews involve assessing the latest scientific research, health effects studies, and environmental impact evaluations. If necessary, the EPA updates the standards to reflect new findings and ensure the protection of public health and the environment.
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Nitrogen dioxide
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for nitrogen oxides and five other pollutants. These pollutants are known as criteria air pollutants and are found all over the US. The EPA works with state, tribal, and local air agencies to attain and periodically review these standards to ensure adequate health and environmental protection.
Sources of indoor NO2 include combustion processes, such as gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and unvented gas space heaters. The average level of NO2 in homes without combustion appliances is about half that of outdoors. However, indoor levels in homes with combustion appliances often exceed outdoor levels. The EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards list 0.053 ppm as the average annual limit for outdoor air.
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Frequently asked questions
The six criteria air pollutants monitored by the EPA are particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead.
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the six criteria air pollutants. These standards are set to protect public health and welfare. Primary standards protect public health, especially sensitive populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards protect public welfare, including against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, and buildings.
One example of the EPA's regulatory efforts in reducing lead pollution is the removal of lead from motor vehicle gasoline, which has resulted in a 98% decrease in lead levels in the air nationally between 1980 and 2014.
