Why Is This Important?

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles such as dust, ash, smoke and droplets in the air. PM can be emitted directly from a source (e.g., smoke stacks, tail pipes or construction sites) or can form in the atmosphere from chemicals emitted by power plants, industries and cars. Fine particles -- 2.5 microns in diameter or less (PM2.5) -- are of greatest health concern since they can be breathed deep into the respiratory tract. Exposure to these particles can lead to asthma attacks, coughing, shortness of breath, bronchitis, lung cancer, and premature death. NJDEP measures inhalable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) since they both have regulatory standards.

Definition

Number of days in which the average concentration of fine particulate matter exceeds the regulatory standard at a monitoring point. Fine particulate matter is defined as particles that are 2.5 microns in diameter or less (PM2.5).

Data Sources

• Bureau of Air Monitoring, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  (https://www.epa.gov/)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

As of 2023, NJDEP operated 20 PM2.5 monitoring sites around the state. There are nine filter-based monitors and 16 continuous monitors. Five sites have both. Additionally, there are three PM10 monitoring sites, and four sites where black carbon is monitored. Complete reports on New Jersey's air quality can be found below the 'Data' tab at [https://dep.nj.gov/airmon/]. Air quality in New Jersey has been improving. New Jersey's air monitoring program evaluates hourly air quality readings using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI uses five of the six pollutants for which there are national health-based standards (ground-level ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide) and compares the composite pollutant levels to the federal standards in order to assign an air quality rating such as "good" or "unhealthy". Particulate air pollution less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter is referred to as fine particulate or PM2.5. These small particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, and are known to have a greater impact on public health than larger particles, which were the focus of the earliest ambient air quality standards. The annual PM2.5 primary and secondary standards were set at 15.0 ug/m3 until 2013, when the primary annual standard was lowered to 12.0 ug/m3. A 24-hour PM2.5 standard of 65 ug/m3 was promulgated in 1997, then lowered in 2006 to 35 ug/m3. In 2023, there were nine days during which the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for PM2.5 was exceeded. The PM2.5 annual standard was lowered in February 2024 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. Additional information on air quality standards can be found at: [https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/national-ambient-air-quality-standards-naaqs-pm]. Even though in 2023 there were 9 days during which the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS was exceeded, monitoring data in New Jersey shows a steady decline in overall PM2.5 levels, which are now in compliance with the NAAQS.

What Is Being Done?

New Jersey has put added emphasis on controlling emissions from diesel engines due to the severe adverse health effects associated with exposure to the components of diesel particles. Success story: Recommendations for Reducing Smog Throughout NJ and Beyond [http://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/epht/tra_action/reducing_smog_in_nj.pdf] Success story: Air Quality and Asthma in NJ Children [http://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/epht/tra_action/helping_children_breathe_easier.pdf] Success story: Collaborating to Diminish Smog and Improve Health in NJ [http://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/epht/tra_action/clean_air_nj.pdf]

Available Services

The NJDEP's Bureau of Air Monitoring measures air pollution levels in New Jersey around the clock and compare them to national health standards. Updates and forecasts are sent to the wire services and other media, and health advisories are also issued when air pollution reaches unhealthful levels. The NJDEP's Bureau of Air Monitoring web site contains information on current air quality as well as historic trends. The web site is: [https://dep.nj.gov/airmon/] The USEPA compiles air quality data from around the country and presents it to the public on the following web site: [http://www.airnow.gov] To sign up to receive air quality alerts, sign up at EPA's Enviroflash website: [http://www.enviroflash.info/] Throughout the year, as part of the nightly news, local TV networks frequently broadcast a map showing the next day's air quality forecast for the different regions of the state. Check your TV listings for channel information.

More Resources

NJDEP "What's in My Community?" mapping application: [https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=76194937cbbe46b1ab9a9ec37c7d709b] On the map you will find every facility with an air permit registered with the Division of Air Quality at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.