POLLUTANT

AVERAGING TIME

POLLUTANT
LEVEL

EFFECTS ON HEALTH

Carbon Monoxide(CO)
CO is colorless, odorless, tasteless gas; it is primarily the result of incomplete combustion; in urban areas the major sources are motor vehicle emissions and wood burning.

1-hour

8-hour

35 ppm

9 ppm

The body is deprived of oxygen; central nervous system affected; decreased exercise capacity; headaches; individuals suffering from angina, other cardiovascular disease; those with pulmonary disease, anemic persons, pregnant women and their unborn children are especially susceptible.

Ozone (O3)
O3 is a highly reactive gas and is the main component of smog. For information on changes regarding the ozone standard, please visit the EPA 8-Hour Ground-level Ozone Designations site

1-hour

8-hour

0.120ppm

0.075 ppm

Impaired mechanical function of the lungs; may induce respiratory symptoms in individuals with asthma, emphysema, or reduced lung function; decreased athletic performance; headache; potentially reduced immune system capacity; irritant to mucous membranes of eyes and throat.

Particulate Matter less than 10 microns (PM10)
PM10 are tiny particles of solid or semi-solid material found in the atmosphere.

24-hour

Annual arithmetic mean

150 µg/m3

50 µg/m3

Reduced lung function; aggravation of respiratory ailments; long-term risk of increased cancer rates or development of respiratory problems.

Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5)
PM2.5 are fine particles of solid or semi-solid material found in the atmosphere.

24-hour

Annual arithmetic mean

65 µg/m3

15 µg/m3

Same as PM10 above.

Lead (Pb)
Lead is attached to inhalable particulate matter; its primary source is motor vehicles that burn unleaded gasoline and re-entrainment of contaminated soil.

Calendar quarter

1.5 µg/m3

Impaired production of hemoglobin; intestinal cramps; peripheral nerve paralysis; anemia; severe fatigue.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
SO2 is a colorless gas with a pungent odor.

3-hour

24-hour

Annual arithmetic mean

0.5 ppm

0.14 ppm

0.03 ppm

Aggravation of respiratory tract and impairment of pulmonary functions; increased risk of asthma attacks.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
NO2 is a gas contributing to photochemical smog production and emitted from combustion sources.

Annual arithmetic mean

0.053 ppm

Increased respiratory problems; mild symptomatic effects in asthmatics; increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.