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Measuring Conditions and Progress
Goal 2: Reduce Air Contamination
State of the Border Region Indicators Report 2005
Supporting Data for Air Indicators
Metadata Summary (PDF) (4 pp, 89K)
Data Tables (PDF) (11 pp, 550K)
The quality of the air in the U.S.-Mexico border region can be inferred by the number of days exceeding air quality standards (English (PDF) (1 pg, 754K) | en Espaņol (PDF) (1 pg, 732K), Data Table (PDF) (10 pp, 1.1M), Metadata (PDF) (1 pg, 44K). Data were presented for five regional monitoring areas (or sister city pairs) in the U.S.-Mexico border region with monitors located on both sides of the border. The most persistent and pervasive pollutants found in the sister cities are ozone and particulate matter (PM10), which were highlighted in the report.
The distribution of pollutants in the atmosphere in the U.S.-Mexico border region was also used as an indication of air quality. The amount of pollutants emitted, pollutant properties, and atmospheric conditions influence pollutant levels and distribution in the atmosphere, which are typically measured as concentrations. From 2001 to 2005, ozone concentrations (English (PDF) (1 pg, 318K) | en Espaņol (PDF) (1 pg, 328K), Data Table (PDF) (10 pg, 1.1M), Metadata (PDF) (1 pg, 36K) were higher than the binational standard of 0.08 ppm in two of five sister city monitoring areas. PM10 concentrations (English (PDF) (1 pg, 321K) | en Espaņol (PDF) (1 pg, 324K), Data Table (PDF) (10 pg, 1.1M), Metadata (PDF) (1 pg, 36K) were higher than the binational standard of 50 ĩg/m3 in four areas.
Refinements Since 2007
Border Air Policy Forum
For more information on the activities of the Border 2012 Air Policy Forum including new efforts and meetings please consult the Air Policy Forum webpage.
The Border Indicators Task Force is working to update the 2005 indicators and add additional indicators of U.S.-Mexico border region air quality. The number of days exceeding air quality standards (English (PDF) (1 pg, 667K) | en Espaņol (PDF) (1 pg, 678K), ozone concentrations (English (PDF) (1 pg, 305K) | en Espaņol (PDF) (1 pg, 315K) and PM10 concentrations (English (PDF) (1 pg, 320K) | en Espaņol (PDF) (1 pg, 323K) in the Border Region were updated in 2008 with data added for 2006 and 2007. Measurements that are being considered as additional indicators of air quality include:
- Emissions reduction strategies
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Results of Air Policy Forum emissions reduction projects
The results of these efforts will be posted to the individual indicator pages (above) as they become available. If you would like to get involved, please send an email to Steve Young (Young.Steve@epa.gov).
Contact the Border Indicators Task Force Co-Chairs