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Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Particulate Matter (Final Report, Dec 2009)

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Overview

EPA announced the availability of the final report, Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Particulate Matter (PM). This report is EPA’s latest evaluation of the scientific literature on the potential human health and welfare effects associated with ambient exposures to particulate matter (PM). The development of this document is part of the Agency's periodic review of the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for PM. The recently completed PM ISA and supplementary annexes, in conjunction with additional technical and policy assessments developed by EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, will provide the scientific basis to inform EPA decisions related to the review of the current PM NAAQS.

Citation

U.S. EPA. Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Particulate Matter (Final Report, Dec 2009). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-08/139F, 2009.

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Background

PM is one of six principal (or criteria) pollutants for which EPA has established NAAQS. Periodically, EPA reviews the scientific basis for these standards by preparing an ISA (formerly called an Air Quality Criteria Document). The ISA and supplementary annexes, in conjunction with additional technical and policy assessments, provide the scientific basis for EPA decisions on the adequacy of the current NAAQS and the appropriateness of possible alternative standards. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), an independent science advisory committee whose existence and whose review and advisory functions are mandated by Section 109 (d) (2) of the Clean Air Act, is charged (among other things) with independent scientific review of EPA's air quality criteria.

The first and second drafts of the PM ISA were released on December 22, 2008 and July 31, 2009, respectively, for independent external peer review and public comment. These drafts were reviewed at public meetings of the CASAC PM Review Panel on April 1-2, 2009 and October 5-6, 2009, respectively. This final PM ISA has benefited from the expert comments received at the CASAC meetings and from public comments, and it has been revised accordingly.

History/Chronology

Date Description
14- Jun 2008 EPA held a workshop to discuss, with invited scientific experts, initial draft materials prepared in the development of the PM ISA and its supplementary annexes. [Federal Register May 27, 2008]
15- Dec 2008 EPA released the first external review draft of the ISA for PM assessment for public review and comment.[Federal Register Dec 19, 2008]
16- Feb 2009 EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) announced a public meeting of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory (CASAC) PM Review Panel to discuss the PM ISA (First External Review Draft). [Federal Register Feb 19, 2009]
17- Jul 2009 EPA released the second external review draft for public review and comment.[Federal Register Jul 31, 2009]
18- Sep 2009 EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) announced a public meeting of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory (CASAC) PM Review Panel to discuss the PM ISA (Second External Review Draft). [Federal Register Sep 10, 2009]
19- Dec 2009 EPA released the Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter (Final Report). [Federal Register Dec 15, 2009]
20- Feb 2010 EPA reposts the final assessment with an errata sheet of updates.

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Download(s)

This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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