from U.S. EPA, Region 3, Philadelphia, PA..............

REVISED STANDARDS PROMPT NEW AIR QUALITY DESIGNATIONS

EPA is reviewing the mid-Atlantic states’ recommendations as to which areas are not meeting EPA air quality standards and should be designated as nonattainment under a revised, national air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). EPA will make a final determination by Dec. 18, after which citizens will be provided with critical information about air pollution levels in their communities. Particulate matter are minute particles (2.5 micrometers in size or smaller) mixed with droplets in the air that are of great risk to public health and the environment.

To learn more about PM2.5 and the revised standards, go to:

http://www.epa.gov/oar/particlepollution/naaqsrev2006.html