Changes to PM2.5 Standard
EPA established a tighter fine particle standard in the fall of 2006 to better protect public health. The AQI is not yet aligned with this more stringent PM2.5 standard. Therefore, health risks associated with elevated levels of particle pollution are underestimated by the AQI.

AQI revisions for PM2.5 will be completed according to the formal rulemaking process and published in the Federal Register. Check AIRNow for information regarding the proposed revisions and information on submitting comments this fall
June 2007

PM2.5 Movies Now Available
Links to PM2.5 air quality movies are now available on the Pollution Movies page.
February 17, 2004

PM2.5 Alerts Now Available
EPA new includes year-round PM2.5 alerts on its email/fax pollution alert service page.
August 8, 2003

PM2.5 Forecasts Now Available
Links to PM2.5 air quality forecasts are now available on the Pollution Forecast page.
March 21, 2003

AirBeat Technology Transfer Handbook
EPA has produced a handbook to help interested communities and organizations learn more about AirBeat and to provide them with the technical information they need to develop their own programs. The Technology Transfer and Support Division of the EPA Office of Research and Development's (ORD's) National Risk Management Research Laboratory initiated the development of this handbook in collaboration with EPA's Office of Environmental Information. ORD, working with AirBeat's project partners, produced the handbook to leverage EMPACT's investment in the project and minimize the resources needed to implement similar projects in new areas.

The handbook is available here as a PDF file. To order a printed copy or CD-ROM of the handbook, or to see other EPA Technology Transfer documents, visit the EPA website.
February 27, 2003

Revised AQI Health Effects Notices
In accordance with updated EPA guidance, the health effects notice for moderate levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been revised. The description of people at risk is now "unusually sensitive individuals" instead of "none." Also, the recommendations for moderate and unhealthy levels of PM2.5 now specify "prolonged or heavy exertion" instead of "prolonged exertion" to emphasize the risk due to exposure during shorter, yet more intense periods of activity in addition to longer, yet potentially less intense periods of activity.
February 27, 2003

Revised PM2.5 AQI Calculation
AirBeat now uses a revised method of calculating the PM2.5 AQI in order to provide more timely information about pollution conditions. Contact George Allen for more information.
February 14, 2003