Comparing Metro Phoenix
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Description: Particulate Matter is one of the criteria air pollutants identified by the EPA as being critical to assessing the environmental health of a place. Primary sources of Particulate Matter are dust, dirt, and smoke from vehicle emissions, power plants, other atmospheric gases and natural dust. Particulate matter comes in various sizes. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) have separated particulate matter into two groups--PM2.5 (particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter) and PM10.
- Fine Particulates - PM2.5
The National Standard for this criteria pollutant is 15.0 g/m3. San Diego, San Jose, Atlanta, Raleigh, and Salt Lake City have exceeded this standard during at least a single year. Atlanta is the only city among these that lies within a nonattainment area. Annual mean concentration levels are identified in the graphs. - Coarse Particulates - PM10
The National Standard is 150 g/m3. Phoenix is classified as being in serious nonattainment and Salt Lake City is classified as being in Moderate nonattainment. All other cities in this grouping are classified as being in attainment. The 2nd maximum 24-hour concentration levels are identified in the graphs.
Rationale: Exposure to Particulate Matter can affect breathing and pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, lung tissue damage, and premature death.
Source: Decision Center for a Desert City (DCDC) using records from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Monitor Trends Report - Criteria Air Pollutants.
