Criteria Pollutants as a Fraction of
NAAQS
Source: Rhode Island DEM, Office of
Air Resources
Advances in Meeting
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
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Criteria Pollutants as a Fraction of
NAAQS
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Source: Rhode Island DEM, Office of
Air Resources
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This graph depicts trends in ambient levels for four criteria pollutants in Rhode Island, calculated as a percentage of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for each. We observe downward trends in all except nitrogen dioxide. Technically, criteria pollutants aren't included in the Air Toxics category. However for organizational purposes, they are grouped together here.
Under the Clean Air Act, National Ambient Air Quality Standards are set at levels sufficient to protect public health with an "adequate margin of safety." In Rhode Island, carbon monoxide levels approached 90% of their respective NAAQS over the course of the measurement period, with the other measured pollutants (PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide) generally remaining at lower percentages of their respective NAAQS.
Other Air Toxics Data:
For more information:
http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/benviron/air/index.htm
A link to the RI Department of Environmental Management,
Office of Air Resources
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