Legal Definitions - air-quality criteria

AIR-QUALITY CRITERIA

AIR-QUALITY CRITERIA refers to the legal limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for pollutants in a specific area and at a particular time.

For instance, the EPA may set air-quality criteria for carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter in a city like Los Angeles. The criteria may specify that the concentration of carbon monoxide should not exceed 9 parts per million (ppm) over an eight-hour period. Similarly, the criteria may state that the concentration of particulate matter should not exceed 35 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) over a 24-hour period.

The examples illustrate how the EPA sets air-quality criteria to protect public health and the environment. By setting legal limits for pollutants, the EPA aims to ensure that the air we breathe is safe and healthy. The criteria may vary depending on the location, the time of year, and the sources of pollution. Compliance with the criteria is mandatory for industries, businesses, and governments that emit pollutants into the air. Failure to comply with the criteria may result in fines, penalties, or legal action.