Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-33 Sept. 25, 2006

EPA Releases Final Rule for Particulate Matter

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 25, 2006 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its final rule for the national ambient air quality standards for particulate matter (PM). The final standards cover both fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and inhalable coarse particles smaller than 10 micrometers.

The EPA is altering the 24-hour fine particle standard level of 65 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) to 35µg/m3. However, the annual fine particle standard will remain at 15µg/m3. The 24-hour standard for fine particle levels was last altered in 1997.

The final rule will not change the existing 24-hour inhalable coarse particles level of 150µg/m3. The EPA is doing away with the annual inhalable coarse particles because it found "evidence generally does not suggest a link between long-term exposure to current levels of coarse particles and health problems."

The EPA's annual standard is intended to protect against health risks caused by exposure to PM over the course of days to years. The 24-hour standard provides additional protection on days with higher fine particle concentrations. Particulate matter exposure has led to reduced lung function, chronic respiratory disease in children, irregular heartbeat, and premature death to those with heart and lung disease.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) supports vehicle emissions testing for vehicles nationwide and is participating in the upcoming Clean Air Conference hosted by the EPA and Colorado State University.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.asashop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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