EPA Proposes Lower Health Standard for Particulate Matter

Air Quality Learning Station at First Ward Park

On Jan. 6, 2023, EPA announced a proposal to lower the health-based standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5):  

  • The current health-based standard for annual PM2.5 is 12 micrograms/cubic meter.  

  • The proposal is to lower the annual standard to between 9 micrograms/cubic meter to 10 micrograms/cubic meter.  

  • Mecklenburg County's 2022 annual PM2.5 compliance value is 8.7 micrograms/cubic meter. 

A summary graph of historical PM2.5 annual compliance values is provided below.  Local compliance values for all common air pollutants can be found here. View the EPA's full proposal for changes to the PM2.5 health standard.