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This is not the current EPA website. To navigate to the current EPA website, please go to www.epa.gov. This website is historical material reflecting the EPA website as it existed on January 19, 2025. This website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. More information »

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Particulate Matter (PM) Pollution

  • Announcements

    12/10/2024 - EPA completes review of secondary standards. 
    2/7/2024 - EPA strengthens air quality standard for fine particle pollution (PM2.5)

Particulate Matter Basics

  • What is PM, and how does it get into the air?
  • What are the harmful effects of PM?
  • What is being done to reduce PM pollution?
    • How can I reduce my exposure?

Setting and Reviewing the Standards

  • What are PM standards?
  • How are they developed and reviewed?
  • What scientific and technical information supports reviews?

Implementing the Standards

  • Designations: How do we know if an area is not meeting standards?
  • What are the state implementation plan (SIP) requirements?
  • How do states develop SIPs and start improving air quality?

Air Quality Where You Live

  • View current and forecasted air quality conditions across the U.S.
  • Explore current locations of wildfires
  • Review data from air quality monitors across the world

Visit AirNow.gov

Wildfire Smoke

  • Learn about how wildfire smoke can affect you and how to protect yourself.

Other Common Air Pollutants

  • Ground-level Ozone
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
  • Lead (Pb)
  • Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

See information on all criteria pollutants.

Contact Us about Particulate Matter (PM) Pollution to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on January 16, 2025
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