November 29, 2023
What’s the state of soot pollution where you live?
Soot — also known as fine particulate matter or PM2.5 — causes death and serious health harms. Many areas lack air monitors. Rigorous monitoring is critical for protecting public health. Read the full story.
The Soot Standard: Measures average soot levels over one year. Set at 9 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3).
About the map data
Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “design values” for annual particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) and 8-hour ozone for U.S counties. A “design value” is the official EPA measure of whether a county complies with the primary (health-protective) annual national ambient air quality standard. Design values are derived from air quality monitoring data that comes from air quality monitors operated by governmental agencies, like EPA or states, that sample the air to measure the amount of pollutant in the air. Not all counties in the United States have an official air quality monitor.
Earthjustice’s Washington, D.C., office works at the federal level to prevent air and water pollution, combat climate change, and protect natural areas. We also work with communities in the Mid-Atlantic region and elsewhere to address severe local environmental health problems, including exposures to dangerous air contaminants in toxic hot spots, sewage backups and overflows, chemical disasters, and contamination of drinking water. The D.C. office has been in operation since 1978.