EPA established a tighter fine particle standard in the fall of 2006 to better protect public health. The AQI is not yet aligned with this more stringent PM2.5 standard. Therefore, health risk associated with elevated levels of particle pollution may be underestimated.
AQI revisions for PM2.5 will be completed according to the formal rulemaking process and published in the Federal Register. Check this site for information regarding the proposed revisions and information on submitting comments this fall.
AIRNow is a government-backed program. Through AIRNow, EPA, NOAA, NPS, news media, tribal, state,
and local agencies work together to report conditions for ozone and particle pollution.
State, Local and Tribal Partners.