Air Quality
Arinya Mahuntasanapong
The 1990 Clean Air Act requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAAQS for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. Two standards for NAAQS have been developed. The primary standard sets limits to protect public health while the secondary standard sets limits to protect public welfare. The EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has set NAAQS for six principle pollutants, criteria pollutants, which are listed in the NAAQS table
These sites explain the monitoring network established by each state to monitor air quality EPA 1 and EPA2
The program was developed to protect and assess air quality. Three major categories of monitoring stations are shown in this site:
1. State and Local Air Monitoring Stations (SLAMS)
2. National Air Monitoring Stations (NAMS)
3. Special Purpose Monitors (SPMS)
In 1994, EPA established Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station (PAMS) as a fourth category of a monitoring station to gather further data on causes of ozone air pollution located in ozone nonattainment areas of the U.S. which are classified as “serious”, “severe”, or “extreme”.
This site explains how air quality data is collected which can be visited at the Air Quality Subsystem (AQS). AQS contains measurements of ambient concentrations of air pollutants and associated meteorological data. The data is collected by thousands of monitoring stations operated by EPA, state and local agencies. Additionally, types of data, data input and update procedures, AQS data retrieval, history of AQS, and future of AQS can also be found from the AQS web site.
1995 National Air Quality: Status and Trends (Six Principal Pollutants)
Long-term Emission Trends
Charts illustrate emissions of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and sulfur
dioxide between 1900 and 1990 in the U.S.
Summary of Air Quality and
Emissions Trends
Summaries of air quality and emissions trends after EPA gathered and analyzed air quality
concentration data from more than 4,000 monitoring stations from 1986-1995 can be observed
in this site. The summaries show the decreasing table and charts of total emissions of the
six principal air pollutants.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
This site includes nature and sources, health and environmental effects of CO, and trends
of CO levels. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas formed when carbon
in fuels is not burned completely. Sources of CO emissions include automobile exhaust,
industrial processes, and fuel combustion from boilers and incinerators. Exposure to CO is
associated with health threat, poor learning ability, etc. CO concentrations decreased 37%
between 1986 and 1995, and 10% between 1994 and 1995. CO emissions decreased 16% between
1986 and 1995, and 7% between 1994 and 1995.
Lead (Pb)
From this site, you will learn about nature and sources, and health and environmental
effects of lead. Major sources of lead are from smelters and battery plants. Exposure to
Pb mainly occurs through inhalation of air ingestion of lead in food; paint, water, soil,
or dust. It affects the kidneys, liver, nervous system, and other organs as well as cause
anaemia, kidney disease, reproductive disorders, etc. Trends of lead level are : average
lead concentrations in urban areas throughout the country decreased 78% while total lead
emissions decreased 32% between 1986 and 1995, lead emissions decreased 14% which national
average lead concentrations remained unchanged between 1994 and 1995.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
This site includes nature and sources, health and environmental effects of NO2, and trends
of NO2 levels. Nitrogen Dioxide is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts in the air to form
corrosive nitric acid and toxic organic nitrates. It also plays major role in the
atmospheric reactions that produce ground-level ozone (smog). Exposure to NO2 can irritate
the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections such as influenza . Trends of
Nitrogen Dioxide levels charts showed a decrease of 14% NO2 concentrations between 1986
and 1995, and 5% between 1994 and 1995. National total NOx emissions decreased 3% between
1986 and 1995, and 8% between 1994 and 1995.
Ozone (O3)
You will learn about nature, sources, health and environmental effects, and trends of O3
levels. Ozone is unlike other pollutants because is not emitted directly into the air by
specific sources. It is created by sunlight action on NOx and VOC in the air. Sources of
O3 include gasoline vapors, chemical solvents, combustion products of fuels, and consumer
products. Exposure to ozone can cause respiratory problems. National ozone concentrations
decreased 6% between 1986 and 1995 but it increased 4% between 1994 and 1995. Emissions of
VOC (which contribute to ozone formation) decreased 9% between 1986 and 1995 and 2%
between 1994 and 1995.
Particulate Matter (PM-10)
This site explains about nature, sources, health and environmental effects of PM-10, and
trends of PM-10 levels between 1988 and 1995. Particulate matter is the term for solid or
liquid particles found in the air. Particles may originate from mobile and stationary
sources (diesel trucks, wood-stones, power plants, etc.). Exposure to PM-10 can cause
human health included respiratory problems, lung tissue damage, cancer, premature death,
influenza, etc. It can also damage human-made material and reduce visibility. Average
PM-10 concentrations decreased 22% between 1988 and 1995 and 4% between 1994 and 1995.
Emissions of PM-10 decreased 17% between 1988 and 1995 and 6% between 1994 and 1995.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
From this site, you will learn about nature, sources, health and environmental effects,
and trends of SO2. Sulphur dioxide is formed when fuel containing sulphur is burned, and
during metal smelting and other industrial processes. Exposure to SO2 affects to human
health included respiratory illness, alterations in pulmonary defences, etc. SO2 is a
precursor to sulphates, which are associated with acidification of lakes and streams,
corrosion of buildings and monuments, reduced visibility, and adverse health effects.
Charts which are shown trends of SO2 levels indicated that between 1986 and 1995, national
SO2 concentrations decreased 37% and SO2 emissions decreased 18%. Between 1994 and 1995,
national SO2 concentrations decreased 17% and SO2 emissions decreased 13%.
Regulations & Laws
An overview of the 1990 Clean Air
Act Amendments can be seen at this site.
The entire 1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments can be seen at this site.
Title I - Air Pollution
Prevention and Control
Title II - Emission
Standards for Moving Sources
Title III - General
Title IV - Acid Deposition
Control
Title V - Permits
Title VI - Stratospheric
Ozone Protection
The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments full text
can be seen at this site.
The Plain English Guide to
the Clean Air Act of 1990 can be seen here.
Various chapters of TAC
can be seen here, including those outlined below.
Chapter 101. General Rules
Chapter 104. Bond
Certification Criteria for Air Pollution
Chapter 106. Exemptions from
Permitting
Chapter 111. Control of Air
Pollution from Visibility Emission and Particulate Matter
Chapter 112. Sulphur
Compounds
Chapter 113. Toxic Materials
Chapter 114. Control of Air
Pollution from Motor Vehicles
Chapter 115. Control of Air
Pollution from Volatile Organic Compounds
Chapter 116. Control of air
Pollution by Permits for new Construction or Modification
Chapter 117. Control of Air
Pollution from Nitrogen Compounds
Chapter 118. Control of Air
Pollution Episodes
Chapter 119. Control of Air
Pollution from Carbon Monoxide
Chapter 120. Control of Air
Pollution from Hazardous waste or solid waste Management Facilities
Fact sheets of air toxic
regulations can be seen at this site.
Upper atmospheric level ozone
protection regulations can be seen at this site.
Education
The APDLN is a digital
"state-of-the-art" education satellite broadcasting network. The APDLN is the
result of a collaborative partnership between the U.S. EPA, States, and local air
pollution control agencies, and North Carolina State University. The telecourses which are
the focus of timely and low-cost training cover many aspects of air pollution measurement
and data management.
The student resource is a
publication of the EPA's office of Research and Development, 1994. The Student Resource
(Acid Rain) explains and shows in simple terms which are easy to understand for everyone,
students, or teachers.
A publication of Public Focus
(Toronto, Canada) and includes the following resources.
Air Quality Programs
Energy Star Programs are voluntary
pollution prevention programs sponsored by EPA. Energy Star Programs are programs designed
to prevent pollution while saving money and increasing profits for Americans by
encouraging the product and use of energy-efficient equipment that meets specifications
set by EPA with the Energy Star Label. To save money and reduce air pollution, the U.S EPA
Energy Star Programs provide many programs which are suited to people, businesses, and
organizations and their purposes such as Buildings, Exit Signs, Green Lights, Home, Office
Equipment, Small Business, Transformers, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning Programs).
Energy Star Buildings Program
The U.S. EPA Energy Star Building Program is a voluntary energy-efficiency program for
U.S. commercial buildings. The program focuses on profitable investment opportunities
available in most building using proven technologies.
Energy Star Exit Signs Program
This program is for using an energy-efficient exit sign lighting in order to help
businesses saving utility bills and the environment.
Green Light Program
The U.S. EPA's Green Lights Program is a breath of fresh air for the nation's
environmental health and economic growth. The primary purpose of the program is to
encourage U.S. organizations to install energy-efficient lighting to prevent the creation
of air pollution, solid waste, and other environmental impacts of electricity generation.
Energy Star Homes Program
An Energy Star Homes program help home owners save money and prevent air pollution. Energy
Star Homes use at least 30% less energy than required by the national Model Energy Code
and it is easy for people to choose cost-effective in order to meet objectives.
Energy Star Office Equipment Program
It was announced by the U.S. EPA in June 1992 designed to promote the development of
energy-efficient office equipment such as Energy Star computers, monitors, and printers.
Buying energy-efficient office equipment which has an energy star label is encouraging to
reduce utility bills and save the environment.
Energy Star Small Business Program
This program is for business which have diverse energy needs including lights,
refrigerators, motors, computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, etc. These
energy-consuming equipment cost business more than they should. Using more efficient
equipment, and buying office equipment which has energy star label will consume less
energy and money.
Energy Star Transformers Program
Transformers are an important component of electric utility transmission and distribution
systems. They are designed to reduce voltage to a level that can be used safety in homes
and offices. Leading manufacturers of distribution transformers have committed to produce
Energy Star Transformers and market them to electric utilities who sign agreements to
purchase cost-effective, high-efficiency transformers for their distribution systems.
Benefits of using of higher efficiency transformers are energy, environment and utility
savings.
Energy Star Residential Heating and Cooling
Program (HVAC)
The Energy Star Residential Heating and Cooling program is a voluntary program in which
manufacturers agree to manufacture and control products by using the Energy Star label on
high efficiency products. The label also informs customers that by using these products
they will be helping to prevent air pollution and save money from utility bills.
These programs are a key part of the
President's Climate Change Action Plan. Methane is a very potent global warming mitigator.
Emission of methane have grown dramatically; methane emissions from human-related
activities now represent about 70% of total emissions, as opposed to less than 10% some
200 years ago. Because methane is highly valued as a fuel, reducing methane emissions are
frequently profitable. To promote profitable opportunities for reducing methane emissions
in the U.S., EPA designs and implements programs which are designed to overcome a wide
range to informational, regulatory, financial, technical, and institutional barriers that
hamper otherwise profitable activities.
The National Park Service
Visibility Programs are a national goal to prevent future impairment in visibility and
the remedying of existing impairment in 156 national parks and wilderness areas, resulting
from manmade air pollution, which was established by the Clean Air Act amendments of 1977.
The National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land
Management, and EPA have co-ordinated their efforts to make progress towards the goal.
The Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission was
created by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 to determine what, if any, steps are
needed to preserve clean days and improve visibility in 16 national parks and wilderness
areas located on the Colorado Plateau. The Commission is composed of eight governors or
their designs, five tribal representatives and five federal agencies.
Office of Mobile Sources (OMS)
The Office of Mobile Sources is a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency responsible for controlling air emitted from motor vehicle, off-road equipment, and their fuels.
The Office of Mobile Sources offers some general
information for the public at this site.
Fact Sheet
Under this fact sheet, you will learn about automobile emissions and pollutants, what you
can reduce pollution, inspection and maintenance programs, fuels and alternative fuel,
general information and other related topics such as importing vehicles.
Reports and Presentations
This page provides current effects of increased motor-vehicle speeds limits which are
likely to increase emissions. A presentation of “Automobile Emissions: Program and
Challenges” presented by Margo Oge, Director EPA Office of Mobile Sources was about
the progress in reducing mobile sources emissions, and challenges to success strategies
for controlling mobile sources in order to achieve clean air. National Center for
Environmental Publications and Information (NCEPI) and EPA on-line Library System (OLS)
are also included in this page to help you find and search more about environmental
information.
EPA Office of Mobile Sources Detailed
Contacts Lists
The lists include name, division, and telephone numbers of main OMS.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
This page provides you information about consumer information (tips to save gas and
improve mileage, etc.), fuel economy guide which helps you to search and calculate total
cost of your gas consumption, fuel economy guide report, fuel economy guide database, test
report, and test car list database.
The Environmental Quizzes
Twelve questions about motor vehicles and air pollution are presented by the EPA Office of
Mobile Sources, National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL).
This page allows you to learn about
vehicle emissions, regulations, vehicle inspection & maintenance, fuel economy guide,
vehicle emission certification, vehicle manufacturer information, fuel information, and
vehicle & engine emission modeling software.
Consumer Information
You will learn about automobiles and theirs emissions such as automobiles and carbon
monoxide, automobiles and ozone, etc. Also, you will learn more about tips to save gas and
improve mileage as well as how you can reduce pollution.
Regulations
This regulations page is about new motor vehicle emission regulations and related
documents.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
Information
This page includes fact sheets on I/M, and I/M Regulations & Related documents. Fact
sheets provide information on consumer guide to Inspection/Maintenance programs, clean car
for clean air, emerging technology for vehicle emissions control and high technology I/M
testing. Moreover, vehicle inspection and maintenance testing procedures and I/M guidance
and regulations can be found under this page.
This page provides information on fact sheets on heavy duty engine/ vehicle emissions,
regulations & related documents, urban bus retrofit/rebuild notices, HD-certification
data.
Nonroad engines include small engines,
heavy-duty engines, locomotives, marine engines, and aviation.
Small Gasoline (or diesel) Powered
Equipment Emissions Information
Small engines include lawn, garden equipment, generators, etc. This page allows you to
familial small gasoline equipment regulations & related documents, and fact sheets on
small engines which are included “your yard and clean air”, and “use of
Reformulated Gasoline in Of-Road Engines”.
Large Nonroad Engine/ Equipment Emission Control Information Large nonroad engine/equipment includes farm, construction, mining, etc. Under this page, you will learn about their regulations & related document.
Locomotive Emissions Information
This page provides fact sheets on locomotive and their regulations such as locomotive
emission test procedure, locomotives emissions notice of proposal rulemaking, future
nonroad emission reduction credit for locomotives, etc.
Marine Engine Emissions & Control
Marine engines include pleasure boats, personal water craft, commercial ships, etc. You
will learn about marine engines from consumer information page included boating pollution
prevention tips, emission standards for new gasoline marine engines, reformulated gasoline
and your motor boat, and use of reformulated gasoline in off-road engines. Moreover, you
will learn about their regulations under marine engine emission regulations & related
documents included statement of principles for nonroad diesel emission reductions,
amendment to emission requirements applicable to New Gasoline Spark-Ignition Marine
Engines, etc.
Aviation Emissions Information
Aviation includes aircraft, ground support equipment, etc. This page provides information
on fact sheets (7/96 fact sheet reducing aviation emissions in the South Coat, 9/95 Draft
Technical Data to Support FAA Advisory Circular on Reducing Emissions from Commercial
Aviation, etc.), directory of aviation regulatory files, and non-epa links to Department
of Transportation, DOT Federal Aviation Administration, FAA Offices of Environment and
Energy and DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
The Environmental Protection Agency has
clean air transportation planning at this site.
Consumer Information: 11 Motor
vehicle and the 1990 Clean Air Act
This site shows fact sheets on Transportation/Air Quality. The fact sheets focus on the
mobile source provisions of the 1990 law, which together will reduce most vehicle- related
pollutants by more than 40 percent. “What’s new in the 1990 Clean Air Act”
allows you to learn about reducing the growth in vehicle travel included: emphasis on
fuels, nonroad engines, and clean transportation alternatives. “The view from the
driver’s seat” is programs that new 1994 and later models cars must be equipped
with “onboard diagnostic system”. These systems feature dashboard warning lights
that alert drivers to malfunctioning emission control equipment.
Smart Travel Resource Center
The Smart Travel Resource Center is an electronic depository of transportation/ air
quality public education information which is currently working by the EPA to assist
transportation practitioners, industry, consultants, etc.
Transportation Conformity
Issues
The EPA is proposing amendments to the transportation conformity rule that would give
States greater flexibility in planning clean air program to reduce mobile source air
pollution and ensures that federally funded or approved transportation plans, programs and
projects do not cause or contribute to new violations of air quality standards, worsen
existing violations or delay attainment of the air quality standards. Also, you will learn
about proposed conformity rules, final rule, interpretation of conformity Rule (12/1994),
final transportation conformity rule, and transportation conformity directory.
The Environmental Protection Agency offers much information on fuels, including information, regulations,
and electronic data interchange.
The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of
toxic emissions from mobile sources.
Consumer Information
These fact sheets answer air toxic questions such as: What are air toxic? How are air
toxic from vehicles formed? How can air toxic from vehicles be reduced.
Regulations
These Air Toxic Emissions Regulations & Related Documents provide a hardcopy
"Motor Vehicle-Related Air Toxic Study" which is the result of the first
directive of Section 202(1) of the Clean Air Act. The study focuses on carcinogenic risk,
which is the major impact of the emissions.
Stakeholders & Airnets
Lists of World Wide Web sites for other
agencies with air pollution programs including Federal, State, Regional, Local and Other
Agencies.
The mission of these two national associations is
to encourage the exchange of information among air pollution control official, to enhance
communication and co-operation among other agencies, and to promote good management of air
resources. This page has links to various sites of interest including Air Links, Glossary
of Environmental Terms, and other association sites.
Visit this web site to see Air Pollution Hot Topics
and a collection of links to frequently requested information.
Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) Home Page
Office of Air & Radiation (OAR) Home Page
Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards (OAQPS) Home Page
Ozone/PM-10/Regional Haze Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) site
Access this web site to link to
Organization Charts, Emission Reduction Credits, Air Quality planning and Assessment,
Mobile Source, Monitoring Operations, New Source Review Permits, and Operating Permits.
This web site
provides TNRCC Monitoring Sites in Texas, a Map shows Texas Counties that Violate National
Air Pollution Standards, six criteria air pollutants & air pollution problem areas in
Texas, and additional information air quality of El Paso, Houston-Galveston- Brazoria,
Dallas-Ft. Worth, Corpus Christi, Beaumont-Port Arthur, San Antonio, and Austin.
Other Interesting Sites
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