Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter (External Review Draft)
Federal Register Notices
Contact
- Lindsay Stanek
- by phone at: 919-541-7792
- by fax at: 919-541-2985
- by email at: stanek.lindsay@epa.gov
- by fax at: 919-541-2985
Notice
EPA is announcing the release of the draft document, Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter (First External Review Draft for public review and comment as described in the December 19, 2007 Federal Register Notice. Please see "Additional Information" for steps on providing comments. The deadline for submitting comments is March 13, 2009.
EPA is announcing that the First External Review Draft of the Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Particulate Matter and related Annexes have been made available for independent peer review and public review. This draft ISA document represents a concise synthesis and evaluation of the most policy-relevant science and will ultimately provide the scientific bases for EPA’s decision regarding whether the current standards for PM sufficiently protects public health and the environment.Background
Particulate matter (PM) is one of six principal (or “criteria“) pollutants for which EPA has established NAAQS. Periodically, EPA reviews the scientific basis for these standards by preparing an Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) (formerly called an Air Quality Criteria Document). The ISA and supplementary annexes, in conjunction with additional technical and policy assessments, provide the scientific basis for EPA decisions on the adequacy of the current NAAQS and the appropriateness of possible alternative standards. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), an independent science advisory committee whose existence and whose review and advisory functions are mandated by Section 109 (d) (2) of the Clean Air Act, is charged (among other things) with independent scientific review of EPA's air quality criteria.
History/Chronology
1969 | EPA published the first Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Air Quality Criteria for Sulfur Oxides. |
1970 | EPA published an update to the Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Air Quality Criteria for 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. |
Dec 1982 | EPA published an update to the Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Sulfur Oxides. |
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. |
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. |
1997 - 2004 | EPA released multiple external review drafts for comment and review. |
Oct 2004 | EPA released an updated Air Quality Criteria Document for Particulate Matter (Final Report). |
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 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). |
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). |
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] |
Dec 2008 | EPA released the first external review draft of the ISA for PM assessment for public review and comment. |
Next Steps
Downloads/Related Links
This download(s) is distributed solely for the purpose of pre-dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. It has not been formally disseminated by EPA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency determination or policy.
- Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter (First External Review Draft) (PDF) (938 pp, 14 MB, about PDF)
- Annex A Atmospheric Science (PDF) (408 pp, 10 MB, about PDF)
- Annex B Dosimetry (PDF) (8 pp, 81 KB, about PDF)
- Annex C Human Clinical Studies (PDF) (8 pp, 84 KB, about PDF)
- Annex D Toxicological Studies (PDF) (178 pp, 1 MB, about PDF)
- Annex E Epidemiologic Studies (PDF) (402 pp, 2 MB, about PDF)
Additional Information
The deadline for comments is March 13, 2009.
Citation