EPA'S NEW NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD FOR NITROGEN DIOXIDE WILL BETTER PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH EPA has strengthened the health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standard for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to better protect public health. "We're updating these standards to build on the latest scientific data and meet changing health protection needs," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "In addition to limiting annual average concentrations, we're preventing high NO2 levels for shorter periods of time and adding stronger monitoring in areas near roadways, where the highest levels of NO2 are often found. This will fill current standard gaps and provide important additional protections where they are needed most." Details about the proposal: http://www.epa.gov/air/nitrogenoxides
EPA UPDATES DATA TO ITS SCHOOL AIR TOXICS WEBSITE On Jan. 22, EPA posted additional school air toxics data to the www.epa.gov/schoolair website reflecting data collected through Dec. 21, 2009 for all 9 schools in Region 3. EPA is analyzing the data to determine the health effects, if any, from long term exposure to these air toxics and is writing the reports for schools that have completed monitoring. To date, most of the school air toxics monitors in Region 3 have not shown any toxics above the levels of concern for long term level of exposure. There have been some elevated levels of manganese at Follansbee Elementary School in Follansbee, W. Va. and elevated levels of benzene at South Allegheny Middle/High School in Allegheny County, Pa.