The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded $85,774 to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) for their ambient air quality monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The funds will support NMED’s important work to improve air quality in New Mexico.
“Working with states to control particulate matter pollution is important for public health,†said Regional Administrator Anne Idsal. “These funds should continue to bolster efforts to enhance air quality in communities across the state of New Mexico.â€
“The NMED utilizes these important grant funds to support the maintenance and operation of PM2.5 monitors throughout the state,†said NMED Air Quality Bureau Chief Elizabeth Bisbey-Kuehn. “We maintain multiple PM2.5 monitors across the state, which provides both critical information about this type of air pollution and assists in planning and demonstrating compliance with the ambient air standards. These monitors are a critical part of the overall monitoring network and are an important resource for providing real time information to the public during fire season in the western United States.â€
The funds will help NMED carry out air-monitoring programs for the prevention and control of air pollution or implementation of PM2.5 air quality standards. The EPA will continue to work collaboratively with NMED and other stakeholders to develop strategies for achieving and maintaining compliance with PM2.5 standards.
Particulate matter, also called particle pollution, contains microscopic solids or liquids which may be harmful if inhaled. The particles can become lodged in the lungs, or can even get in your bloodstream, and cause respiratory or heart problems. People with heart or lung disease, children, and older adults are most likely to be affected by particle pollution. The particles also affect the environment, with the smallest—those less than 2.5 micrometers across also called “fineâ€â€”being the main cause of reduced visibility (haze).
