Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Outdoor Air: Days Exceeding 24-hour PM2.5 Standard, by County, New Jersey, 2016 to 2023
Indicator Report Data View Options
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 Notes
Exceedances displayed are only for counties with PM 2.5 monitors.Data Source
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(https://www.epa.gov/)
How the Measure is Calculated
Numerator:
Number of days in a year in which the PM2.5 concentration at a monitor exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter, averaged over 24 hours.Denominator:
n/a
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