New EPA PM 2.5 Air Quality Standards: What You Need to Know

In February 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened air quality standards focused around fine particulate PM 2.5 from 12 µg/m³ to 9 µg/m³. Additional investments are being made to expand the air quality monitoring network to better protect those at increased health risk from air pollution. The EPA estimates that the new air quality standard will prevent 4,500 premature deaths and over 290,000 lost production hours saving $46 billion in health care costs through 2032. Full details around the new standard can be found here. 

For manufacturers, the new regulation does not change any indoor air quality standards or OSHA permissible exposure limits (PEL) for workers. However, the new standards may impact manufacturers who have industrial processes that emit air pollution which includes fine particles within the PM  2.5 range. So if a company operates within an enforcement zone that exceeds the PM 2.5 threshold, additional steps to reduce fine emissions or monitoring emissions to ensure compliance may be required. In most cases, this pollution is controllable with readily available and cost-effective technologies. 

Nederman is Here to Help

Navigating these new regulations can be challenging, but Nederman is here to make it easier. Our dust, fume and mist collection solutions are designed to protect workers, production and the environment including compliance with these new EPA standards and other air quality regulations that may be impacting your business.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch with us for a personalized consultation and discover how we can assist you in adapting to these changes for a greener future.