In December, the U.S. EPA announced its decision to retain, without changes, the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) The Clean Air Act requires a review of the NAAQS regulation every five years for each standard to determine if changes are needed to protect human health and the environment.  To fulfill this requirement, the agency completed a review of the science and accepted public comment over the past six months, before finalizing the decision to retain the current level.

What is ozone?

Ozone can be good or bad for health and the environment depending on where it’s found in the atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone, known as “the ozone layer” occurs naturally and is good because it protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ground-level ozone, in the air we breathe, is unnatural and can trigger health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with lung diseases such as asthma. Ground-level ozone happens when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the presence of heat and sunlight.

What is the standard?

The EPA monitors testing equipment strategically placed throughout the nation for ground-level ozone and other pollutants. The NAAQS specify that no more than 70 parts per billion of ozone should be present in outdoor air over an eight-hour period. Are you curious where the nearest ozone monitoring station is to you?  Find it on EPA’s interactive map.

Calls to change

During the public comment period, many health and social justice organizations called for more strict controls, while many industry organizations asked for looser regulatory targets.  The EPA’s press release stated that the current standard “strikes the right balance” between protecting public health and the industrial economy. Our environmental experts are available to answer any questions about the NAAQS and assist with industrial compliance.  Contact us at info@corner-enviro.com or on our website.