PM Reducing emissions of PM remains a crucial component of EPA's strategy for cleaner air and improved visibility. Over the last two decades, significant reductions in PM emissions from some industrial processes have been achieved. However, meeting EPA's national health-based air quality standards continues to be an important step to ensure the air is safe to breathe. EPA, States, tribes, and local governments are working together to reduce emissions of PM through several control programs. National health-based air quality standards Breathing PM can cause serious health problems.
Coarse particles come from sources such as wind blown dust and unpaved roads.
Coarse particles can accumulate in the respiratory system and aggravate health problems such as asthma. For an update on ongoing litigation over these standards, click here . Fine particles generally come from industrial fuel combustion and from vehicle exhaust. We now know that fine particles are most closely associated with increased respiratory disease, decreased lung functioning, and even premature death. EPA has begun collecting montor data at locations across the country to determine the levels of these smaller-sized particles in the air.