EPA Announces Plans to Reexamine Particulate Matter Standards

In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it was reconsidering the previous administration’s decision to retain the particulate matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which were last strengthened in 2012. The agency made the decision because it now believes available scientific evidence and technical information indicate that the current standards may not be adequate to protect public health and welfare, as required by the Clean Air Act.

In the announcement, the EPA stated:

The strong body of scientific evidence shows that long- and short-term exposures to fine particles (PM2.5) can harm people’s health, leading to heart attacks, asthma attacks, and premature death. Large segments of the U.S. population, including children, people with heart or lung conditions, and people of color, are at risk of health effects from PM2.5.  In addition, a number of recent studies have examined relationships between COVID and air pollutants, including PM, and potential health implications. While some PM is emitted directly from sources such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires, most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industrial facilities and vehicles.

“These tiny particles can pose a significant threat to people’s health because they are small enough to be carried by air and travel deep into the lungs,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Particulate matter is also an issue in many indoor environments. 3D printers, furnaces, unvented space heaters, cooking stoves, woodstoves, environmental tobacco smoke, and indoor mold growth are just a few common sources that could impact people at home or on the job.”

The industrial hygiene and environmental scientists at EMSL Analytical are dedicated to identifying particulate matter exposure risks. Their laboratories, located across North America, provide air testing services, sampling supplies, and the industry’s leading particle counters. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about particulate matter and indoor air quality that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/_7n6l6oQUqQ.

To learn more about testing for particulate matter or other airborne pollutants, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail