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Research Programs
Particulate Matter (PM) Health Effects
PM Health Effects
EPA's Goal for 'Clean Air'
"Protect and improve the air so it is healthy to breathe and risks to human health and the environment are reduced."
Research indicates that air pollution in the form of particulate matter, or PM, at concentrations currently allowed by national standards (the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or NAAQS) is linked to thousands of excess deaths and widespread health problems. Part of EPA's mission is to protect human health by strengthening the scientific basis of air quality regulations. Through its PM health effects research program, EPA is working to more clearly understand the characteristics of PM that produce adverse health effects, how PM induces these effects, and who is most at risk. EPA scientists conduct research related to the health effects of PM by conducting clinical studies and using the methods of epidemiology and toxicology.
