Why Do We Measure Air Pollution?
Air pollution has been known to be injurious to human health and the environment for a very long time. In the Unites States air pollution regulation began in the mid-1950s and is now regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act.
Trends
Particular pollutants, known as Criteria Pollutants have been identified for particular focus. Of these Criteria Pollutants ozone (O3) has been particularly pervasive in Maryland and the Northeastern U.S. generally. Ozone air quality has improved over the past 30 years, a trend that is expected to continue as further controls are enforced. New pollutants of concern are emerging, specifically particulate matter (PM) smaller than 2.5 microns, that will need to be followed.
More Information
- MDE’s Ozone Information Page
- MDE’s Improving Air Quality 1990-2008 Report
- DNR’s Power Plant Research Program
- http://www.epa.gov/air/airtrends - A broad suite of air pollutants are routinely monitored and the data are managed by the EPA
- http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu - Atmospheric deposition data related to acidification, eutrophication and mercury loading
- http://esm.versar.com/pprp/ceir15/intro.htm - Additional Maryland air quality data
Actions Taken
by Governor O'Malley
Air Quality in Maryland Improving
Maryland’s air pollution control programs are reducing the negative impacts to human health and the quality of the environment, including the Chesapeake Bay and our local waterways. The Maryland Department of the Environment implemented the State’s Healthy Air Act – which took effect starting in 2009 and is the toughest power plant law on the East Coast. As a result, Maryland is seeing reductions of more than 80 percent in toxic pollutants such as mercury compared to two years before. Data also show that nitrogen oxides have been reduced by more than 60 percent from 2006 levels. Nitrogen oxides are pollutants that can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. Because more than one-third of the nitrogen pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay originates from air pollution, the significant reductions in the Healthy Air Act are a critical component of Maryland meeting its Chesapeake Bay milestones and complying with the Chesapeake Bay “pollution diet.”
Maryland Tracking its Ozone Conditions
MDE tracks and documents current levels of ozone in several regions throughout the State including Metropolitan Baltimore, Western Maryland, and the Eastern Shore. To find out levels in your neighborhood, check out MDEs Quality of Air Summaries.