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Announcements

July 2, 2008 - EPA announces an extension to the lead NAAQS schedule and public comment period

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June 27, 2008 - EPA Announces Availability of Regulatory Impact Analysis for Proposed Lead Standards

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May 1, 2008 – EPA proposes to significantly strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for lead.

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Lead (Pb) is a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in manufactured products.  The major sources of lead emissions have historically been motor vehicles (such as cars and trucks) and industrial sources.  As a result of EPA's regulatory efforts to remove lead from gasoline, emissions of lead from the transportation sector dramatically declined by 95 percent between 1980 and 1999, and levels of lead in the air decreased by 94 percent between 1980 and 1999. Today, the highest levels of lead in air are usually found near lead smelters. Other stationary sources are waste incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery manufacturers.

For more information about lead:

Basic Information - Basics about lead pollution.

Health and Environment - Effects of lead pollution.

Lead Standards - Links to technical information related to setting the national air quality standards for lead.

Regulatory Actions - Links to proposed and final rules, fact sheets, and other rulemaking documents.

Air Quality Trends - Progress made in reducing lead.

Air Emission Sources - Summarizes lead emissions by source at national, state and local levels.

Related Links - Other information related to lead pollution.



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