Particulate Matter (PM-2.5) Non-Attainment Areas: California, 2011

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Abstract/Contents

Abstract
This polygon shapefile identifies areas in the U.S. where air pollution levels have not met the 2006 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) and have been designated "nonattainment". This category of particle pollution measurement monitors fine particles, such as those found in smoke and haze, that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. These particles can be directly emitted from sources such as forest fires, or they can form when gases emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles react in the air. The EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six principal pollutants, which are called "criteria" pollutants. Under provisions of the Clean Air Act, which is intended to improve the quality of the air we breathe, EPA sets limits on how much of a pollutant can be in the air anywhere in the United States. This ensures that all Americans have the same basic health and environmental protections. The law allows individual states to have stronger pollution controls, but states are not allowed to have weaker pollution controls than those set for the whole country. EPA calls these pollutants "criteria air pollutants" because the agency has regulated them by first developing health-based criteria (science-based guidelines) as the basis for setting permissible levels. One set of limits (primary standard) protects health; another set of limits (secondary standard) is intended to prevent environmental and property damage. A geographic area that meets or does better than the primary standard is called an attainment area; areas that don't meet the primary standard are called nonattainment areas.
Purpose
This data set is intended to help provide the public with information to determine whether or not air quality within a given area is healthy. Once designations take effect, they also become an important component of state, tribal and local governments' efforts to control fine particulates.

Description

Type of resource cartographic, software, multimedia
Form Shapefile
Extent 0.376
Place Sacramento, California, US
Publisher California. Air Resources Board
Date valid 2011
Publication date 2011
Language English
Digital origin born digital
Map data Scale not given. ; ::0 W 123°6ʹ25ʺ--W 115°21ʹ59ʺ/N 39°53ʹ19ʺ--N 32°38ʹ33ʺ, Scale not given ; EPSG::4326

Creators/Contributors

Creator United States. Environmental Protection Agency.

Subjects

Subject Air quality management
Subject Particulate nitrate
Subject Sulfates
Subject Organic compounds
Subject United States. Clean Air Act
Subject California
Subject 2011
Subject Climatology, Meteorology and Atmosphere
Subject Environment
Subject Health
Genre Geospatial data
Genre Cartographic dataset

Bibliographic information

Supplemental information Based on 40 CFR 81.305 (February 22, 2011)
Use limitation Data are considered current to the date of the original source material. Please check sources, scale, accuracy, current status and other available information. Please confirm that you are using the most recent copy of both data and metadata. Acknowledgement of the EPA would be appreciated.
WGS84 Cartographics This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.
Location
Location
https://purl.stanford.edu/xj296sf2900
Location https://purl.stanford.edu/tb975sj1011

Access conditions

Use and reproduction
This item is in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use.
Copyright
This work is in the Public Domain, meaning that it is not subject to copyright.

Preferred citation

Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Particulate Matter (PM-2.5) Non-Attainment Areas: California, 2011. California Air Resources Board. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/xj296sf2900

Collection

California Air Resources Board GIS Maps & Data

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