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.On October 10, 2018, Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced (https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/acting-administrator-wheeler-announces-science-advisors-key-clean-air-act-committee) that the seven-member Chartered CASAC will serve as the body to review the remaining key scientific assessments for the PM NAAQS review.As part of the NAAQS review process, EPA's Office of Research and Development has requested CASAC review of the Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter - (External Review Draft - October 2018).
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