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Air Quality Designations for Particle Pollution

  • Between 2000 and 2017, national average concentrations of annual fine particle pollution improved by over 40%.

Title I of the Clean Air Act requires that after we set a new National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQSStandards established by EPA for maximum allowable concentrations of six "criteria" pollutants in outdoor air. The six pollutants are carbon monoxide, lead, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. The standards are set at a level that protects public health with an adequate margin of safety.) or we revise an existing standard, we must then designate areas in the United States as being in “attainment” or “nonattainment” with the standard. 

This website provides information on the process EPA follows to designate areas as being in attainment or nonattainment with the standards for particle pollutionFine liquid or solids such as dust, smoke, fumes, or smog found in air or emissions. established in 2012.

Learn About Particle Pollution

  • Particle pollution designations process
  • Basis for air quality designations

Regulatory Actions and Guidance for the 2012 Particle Pollution Designations

  • Regulatory actions
  • Designations guidance

Where You Live

  • State designations
  • Tribal designations
  • Area designation maps

Related Information

  • Basic information on particle pollution
  • Scientific and technical information on setting the 2012 particle pollution standards
  • Table of historical particle pollution NAAQS
  • 2006 PM Designations
  • 1997 PM Designations
  • Implementing particle standards
  • Other pollutant designations
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on June 30, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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