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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Guideline for public reporting of daily air quality: Pollutant Standards Index (PSI). Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7112638

The U.S. EPA's Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) is the result of a joint effort on the part of EPA's Offices of Air and Waste Management, Research and Development, and Planning and Management. The guideline suggests the use of an air quality index for those local and state air pollution control agencies wishing to report an air quality index on a daily basis. The PSI places maximum emphasis on protecting the public health; that is, it advises the public of any possible adverse health effects due to pollution. The index incorporates five major pollutants: carbon monoxide, oxidants, particulates, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. 'Good' air quality falls in the 0 to 50 range, 'moderate' air quality from 50 to 100, 'unhealthful' from 100 to 200, 'very unhealthful' from 200 to 300, and 'hazardous' above 300. (GRA)

Research Organization:
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA). Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
OSTI ID:
7112638
Report Number(s):
PB-257892; EPA-450/2-76/013; OAQPS-1.2-044
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English