Under the Clean Air Act, EPA is required to carry out a periodic review and revision, as appropriate, of the air quality criteria and the primary and secondary standards for six criteria air pollutants, which include particulate matter. EPA is currently reviewing the NAAQS for particulate matter. Primary standards set limits to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility, damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.As part of the NAAQS review process, EPA's Office of Air and Radiation has requested CASAC review of the draft Policy Assessment.
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See EPA’s PDF page to learn more about PDF files.