Criteria Air Pollutants

Protecting Air Quality

Criteria air pollutants are found all over the U.S. They can harm your health and the environment, and cause property damage.

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six commonly found air pollutants known as criteria air pollutants. Together with state, tribal and local air agencies we work to attain the standards throughout the country.

Managing Air Quality

Process of reviewing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Process to determine whether areas meet the NAAQS
Process of working with areas to attain and maintain NAAQS

Air Quality Standards

Summary Table of the Current NAAQS
Information by pollutant

Criteria Air Pollutant Information

Ozone
Particulate Matter
Carbon Monoxide
Lead
Sulfur Dioxide
Nitrogen Dioxide

Criteria Air Pollutants

Protecting Air Quality

Managing Air Quality

Air Quality Standards

Criteria Air Pollutant Information

Additional Resources