Regulacje i polityka gospodarcza · 09/12/1998

Air Quality Index Reporting

EPA proposes to change the uniform air quality index used by States for daily air quality reporting to the general public in accordance with section 319 of the Clean Air Act (Act). These proposed changes include the addition of the following elements: a new category described as ``unhealthy for sensitive groups,'' new breakpoints for the ozone (O 3 ) sub-index in terms of 8-hour average O 3 concentrations, a new sub-index for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), and conforming changes to the sub-indices for inhalable particulate matter (PM 10 ), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). These proposed changes reflect the revisions to the health-based primary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for O 3 and particulate matter (PM) published in the Federal Register on July 18, 1997. This document discusses the development of related informational materials on pollutant-specific health effects and sensitive groups and on precautionary actions that can be taken by individuals to reduce exposures of concern. This document also discusses the interrelationship between the uniform air quality index and other programs that provide air quality information and related health i