What are criteria pollutants?
Criteria pollutants are pollutants for which the EPA has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards or NAAQS. The criteria pollutants are: • particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), • particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), • sulfur dioxides (SO2), • nitrogen oxides (NOx), • carbon monoxide (CO), • ozone (as measured by volatile organic compounds (VOCs)), and • lead (Pb). Criteria pollutants are regulated under the Clean Air Act and must meet the NAAQS established for each pollutant. Similarly, the state has Minnesota Ambient Air Standards or MAAQS that must also be met. Lead and NO2 are assessed in the MPCA risk assessment spreadsheet as air toxics. PM2.5 is assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively in the RASS.
Related Questions
- How will the GHG Reporting Rule fit in or be harmonized with state and local reporting obligations for criteria pollutants, toxics, and state-specific GHG reporting requirements?
- Does this inventory include non-greenhouse gas air pollutants, such as criteria air pollutants (CAP)?
- What are the criteria pollutants for air pollution?
