![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508020012im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Basic Information
What is the Clean Air Research Program?
The Clean Air Research Program in EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) provides the scientific foundation to improve our understanding of the risks from outdoor air pollutants. The research focuses, primarily on particulate matter (PM) and ozone because they are widespread and can cause serious health problems. They are two of the six main air pollutants, called criteria pollutants, regulated by the EPA.
The research program also addresses health aspects of the other criteria pollutants (nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and lead) as potential confounding co-pollutants of PM and ozone, with more emphasis on support to standard implementation such as modeling and measurement methods. The program is also responding to the need for science to address industrial compounds known as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
The integrated, multidisciplinary research approach of the program provides critical information that offers a perspective of air pollutants from their sources to their associated health outcomes. The science is identifying the sources of pollutants in our communities, their characteristics and “life cycle,” how we are exposed to them and what health problems may result from exposure. In addition to this “source-to-health outcomes” research effort, science and technology advances are also being applied to assist with efforts to effectively manage air quality and reduce the effects of air pollutants.
The air research program includes clinical and laboratory studies, epidemiologic studies, air quality model development, measurement and exposure methods, characterization of emission sources, and control technologies. A two-pronged approach to the air pollution science has been developed:
To continue to support the needs of EPA and state and local governments by developing the science needed to regulate air pollutants and implement control strategies.
To pursue scientific advances that will lay the foundation for the next generation of air pollution standards and air quality management strategies.
What are the research goals of the Clean Air Research Program?
Two long-term research goals provide focus for the Clean Air Research Program.
Reduce scientific uncertainty in setting air pollution standards and air quality management decisions with advances in air pollution science.
This goal includes:
- Health effects research on PM and specific hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) to support EPA's mandatory reviews of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and hazard assessments.
- Research to characterize and estimate source emissions, including major stationary and mobile sources as well as non-road vehicles, airports, seaports, and natural or agricultural environments
- Research to improve the understanding of the links of health and environmental effects to air pollution sources.
Reduce scientific uncertainties in linking health and environmental effects to air pollution sources to support effective air quality management strategies.
This goal includes:
- Research that links the source of air pollution to health outcomes from a multi-pollutant approach rather than a single pollutant focus
- Research to identify specific source-to-health linkages with an initial study on near-road air pollution and its potential health risks
- Research to develop a framework to show the impacts of regulatory decision making on public health and environmental outcomes.
Why does the EPA have a Clean Air Research Program?
While progress has been made to improve air quality, air pollution continues to have adverse impacts on public health and the environment in the United States. To reduce and control air pollution, the Clean Air Research Program addresses EPA's highest priority research and technology needs. The work directly supports the establishment and implementation of air standards by EPA which are required under the Clean Air Act to protect public health and the environment.
To adequately address key scientific questions about air pollution, the Clean Air Research Program maintains and continues to develop its core research capabilities across a diverse range of scientific disciplines.
How is clean air research planned and implemented?
The Clean Air Research Program is structured to address the needs and priorities identified by the science community and EPA policy offices. The program collaborates with other EPA offices responsible for establishing and implementing air pollution standards, Congress, external advisory bodies and other stakeholders to plan and coordinate research so that it is timely, relevant and useful.
A multi-year research plan (MYP) (PDF) (52 pp, 293 KB, About PDF)for air research has been developed with input from partners and stakeholders. The plan describes the research to be conducted over a period of five years. The MYP is a living document and is amended annually as the science and/or needs evolve to ensure that the highest priority research is being conducted.
EPA's laboratories and centers in the Office of Research and Development (ORD) conduct the research within a framework of integrated and complimentary science structured by the intramural program, extramural grants, and cooperative and interagency agreements.
How are research products used?
The science developed in the Clean Air Research Program plays a key role in assisting risk assessors and regulators to develop air quality regulations and management strategies. Health and exposure science provides new information to improve EPA’s ability to assess the risks of air pollution and develop effective technologies and programs to reduce the risks. Methods, models, and other tools are used by federal, state, local and tribal officials to identify and remedy air quality problems to ensure minimal risk to the public and environment as potentially impacted by air pollution.
Learn more about how clean air research has been usedHow is Clean Air Research evaluated?
EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) measures and manages performance of its research, including the Clean Air Research Program, to ensure it is high performing and demonstrates results that contribute to EPA's mission,
Research accountability efforts are implemented in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), the President's Management Agenda--including the Research and Development Investment Criteria, and the Office of Management and Budget's Program Assessment Rating Tool.
EPA established the Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), an independent body comprised of expert scientists, to conduct regular peer reviews of ORD research. The BOSC evaluates the outcomes and impacts of ORD science and engineering research, programs and plans, laboratories, and research-management practices, and recommends actions to improve the quality of research and its relevance to EPA's mission. This includes evaluations of and advice concerning strategic planning, program implementation, utilization of peer review within ORD, human resources development, and other organizational challenges.
ORD's research programs and its science products are peer reviewed in accordance with the highest standards. A variety of metrics are used to demonstrate the quality, relevance and performance of each program. Progress toward achieving strategic, long-term goals is measured, in part, by the timely completion of key research milestones.
Bibliometric analyses are used to assess the extent to which research products are cited and published in the most prestigious scientific journals, as well as the extent to which products are cited and used in regulatory and policy decisions. Together, these accountability efforts help to ensure that EPA research has a critical impact on decisions and actions that improve human health and the environment.
How does the Clean Air Research Program collaborate with others?
Research collaborations are key to the success of the Clean Air Research Program. As an integrated, multidisciplinary program, the science questions are addressed as holistically as appropriate to maximize the integrated nature of the science outputs and conclusions as well as to maximize efficiencies and cost-benefits.
Collaborations cut across the research laboratories and centers in EPA’s Office of Research and Development. The Clean Air Research Program works closely with EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation to provide the priority science needed by that office which is responsible for setting air quality standards and policy decisions. In addition, the program works with EPA’s regional offices, states, and tribes to provide research needed to solve air quality problems and implement effective air pollution strategies, tools, and controls.
Similarly, the Clean Air Research Program works with scientists from other federal and state organizations, universities and research institutions through informal and formal collaborations such as grants and other agreements. This integrated network ensures the highest quality and most appropriately targeted research to advance scientific knowledge on air pollution.