Particulate Matter

The Issue
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets in the air. Particulate matter causes concern because it is associated with serious health effects such as aggravated asthma, difficulty breathing, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death. PM contributes to haze and can harm the environment by changing the natural nutrient and chemical balance of the soil.

EPA Action
EPA scientists are conducting research to better understand which attributes of particulate matter cause ill health effects, who may be most susceptible to these effects, how particles form in the atmosphere, and what the contributions are from various sources in different regions of the country.

EPA's National Center for Environmental Assessment periodically evaluates the latest information concerning the public health and welfare effects of particulate matter and published the Air Quality Criteria Document for Particulate Matter. This final document provides the scientific basis for the establishment of national air quality standards.

Related Links

• Basic information about particulate matter
• Particulate matter research at EPA
• Particulate matter regulations
• Clean Air Act

History

Dec 2008	EPA released the first external review draft of the ISA for PM assessment for public review and comment.
Jun 2008	EPA held a workshop to discuss, with invited scientific experts, initial draft materials prepared in the development of the PM ISA and its supplementary annexes. [Federal Register May 27, 2008]
Mar 2008	EPA released the final plan, Integrated Review Plan for the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Particulate Matter(EPA/452/R-08/004).
Oct 2007	EPA released an external review draft of EPA's ”Integrated Review Plan for the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Particulate Matter” (EPA/452/P-08/006) for public comment and was discussed by the CASAC via a publicly accessible teleconference consultation on November 30, 2007 (72 FR 63177).
Jun 2007	EPA formally initiated its current review of the air quality criteria for PM, requesting the submission of recent scientific information on specific topics. [ Federal Register Jun 28, 2007]
Oct 2004	EPA released an updated Air Quality Criteria Document for Particulate Matter (Final Report).
1997 - 2004	EPA released multiple external review drafts for comment and review.
Aug 1994	EPA published the Supplement to the Second Addendum (1986) to Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Sulfur Oxides (1982): Assessment of New Findings on Sulfur Dioxide and Acute Exposure Health Effects in Asthmatic Individuals.
Dec 1986	EPA published the Second Addendum to Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Sulfur Oxides (1982): Assessment of New Findings on Sulfur Dioxide and Acute Exposure Health Effects in Asthmatic Individuals.
Dec 1982	EPA published an update to the Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Sulfur Oxides.
1977	The Air Quality Criteria Document (including 3 volumes) were updated in response to specific requirements of Section 108 of the Clean Air Act, as amended in 1977.
1970	EPA published an update to the Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Air Quality Criteria for Sulfur Oxides.
1969	EPA published the first Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Air Quality Criteria for Sulfur Oxides.

Best Resources

U.S. EPA. Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter (Final Report, Oct 2004). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA 600/P-99/002aF-bF, 2004.

U.S. EPA. Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter (External Review Drafts, Oct 1999 to Aug 2004)..

U.S. EPA. Provisional Assessment of Recent Studies on Particulate Matter. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-06/063, 2006.

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