#Outdoor activity weather calculator update#

EPA is required to periodically review and update the NAAQS to reflect the latest scientific information on how outdoor air quality affects human health and the environment.Д®xtensive data are available on criteria pollutant emissions (or emissions of the pollutants' precursors-substances that once released into the air are converted to criteria pollutants) and ambient concentrations. Specifically, the Clean Air Act requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for these pollutants. They are referred to as вЂњcriteria pollutantsвЂќ because EPA regulates them by developing human health-based or environmentally-based criteria (or science-based assessments) for setting permissible levels. These six pollutants (carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter of different size fractions, and sulfur dioxide) are common in outdoor air and can harm human health and the environment. The ROE presents indicators for three different types of air pollutants: criteria pollutants air toxics and other pollutants and stratospheric ozone issues. The ROE therefore focuses on outdoor air quality issues caused (at least in part) by human activity and acknowledges and quantifies contributions from natural sources, as appropriate. Anthropogenic emissions are of particular interest because they can be decreased through regulatory and voluntary actions, leading to air quality improvements. Outdoor air pollution contains numerous substances of both natural (e.g., pollen, mold spores, dust) and anthropogenic (human-caused) origin. Maintaining clean air is a challenging but achievable task. Can diminish the protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere.Can impair visibility and damage crops and surfaces of treasured buildings and monuments.Is associated with a number of human health effects including heart attacks, asthma attacks, bronchitis, hospital and emergency room visits, work and school days lost, restricted activity days, respiratory symptoms, and premature mortality.Air pollution can compromise human health and the environment in many ways. Outdoor air-the air outside buildings, from ground level to several miles above the Earth's surface-is a valuable resource for current and future generations because it provides essential gases to sustain life and it shields the Earth from harmful radiation. What are the trends in outdoor air quality and their effects on human health and the environment?

Outdoor activity weather calculator