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Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Outdoor Air: Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration, by County, New Jersey, 2022

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Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Outdoor Air: Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration, by County, New Jersey, 2022

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.

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 Notes

Monitoring data are only available for 15 out of New Jersey's 21 counties. If there was more than one monitor in a county, the highest value is given, not the average.

Data Source

Bureau of Air Monitoring, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

How the Measure is Calculated

  • Numerator:

    Daily 24-hour filter samples or continuous 1-hour samples of PM2.5 concentration
  • Denominator:

    Number of days in the year

Related Health Objectives and Indicators


Environmental Public Health Tracking Indicator AQ-58

Description: Annual average ambient concentrations of PM2.5 in micrograms per cubic meter (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement)
https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/indicatorPages?selectedContentAreaAbbreviation=11&selectedIndicatorId=58

Environmental Public Health Tracking Indicator AQ-62

Description: Percent of days with PM2.5 levels over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)
https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/indicatorPages?selectedContentAreaAbbreviation=11&selectedIndicatorId=62


Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicators:

Related Health Status Outcomes Indicators:

Health Topic Pages Related to: Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Outdoor Air

Indicator Data Last Updated On 05/22/2023, Published on 02/07/2024
Environmental Public Health Tracking Project, New Jersey Department of Health, PO Box 369, Trenton, NJ 08625-0369, e-mail: nj.epht@doh.nj.gov (https://www.nj.gov/health/epht)