Primary Standards

Definition

Primary standards are legally enforceable limits set by regulatory agencies to protect public health from harmful pollutants. These standards establish maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants in air, water, or soil based on scientific research and risk assessments.

Analogy

Think of primary standards as safety guidelines for different activities. Just like there are speed limits on roads to prevent accidents, primary standards set limits on pollutant levels to ensure our well-being.

Related terms

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): Specific primary standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for common air pollutants like carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): Primary drinking water standards set by the EPA that define the maximum allowable concentration of contaminants in public water systems.

Soil Screening Levels (SSLs): Primary standards developed by environmental agencies to determine safe levels of contaminants in soil, ensuring protection of human health and the environment.