Lead

National Trends in Lead Levels
Local Trends in Lead Levels

National Trends in Lead Levels

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA sets and reviews national air quality standards for lead. Air quality monitors measure concentrations of lead throughout the country. EPA, state, tribal and local agencies use those data to ensure that lead is at levels that protect public health and the environment. EPA has tracked air quality trends for lead using data from this network of monitors. Trends from 1980-2007 and from 1990-2007 are shown here. Nationally, average lead concentrations decreased dramatically after EPA's regulations reduced the lead content in gasoline. For information on lead standards, sources, health effects, and programs to reduce lead, please see www.epa.gov/air/lead.

Lead air quality between 1980 and 2007, based on the maximum 3-month average. Chart shows a range of concentrations in 22 monitoring sites nationwide, with the average decreasing 91% from 1980 to 2007.

How to Interpret the Graphs
View the chart data in Microsoft Excel (Download Excel Viewer)
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Lead air quality between 1990 and 2007, based on the maximum 3-month average. Chart shows a range of concentrations in 72 monitoring sites nationwide, with the average decreasing 80% from 1990 to 2007.

How to Interpret the Graphs
View the chart data in Microsoft Excel (Download Excel Viewer)
View the chart data in HTML (New window opens)

Local Trends in Lead Levels

Air quality trends can vary from one area to another. Local trends are available at individual monitoring locations with an adequate record of historical data.

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