Definition

Days in which the average concentration of ozone in outdoor air exceeds the regulatory standard at an ozone monitoring point

Numerator

Number of days in a year in which the ozone concentration at a monitor exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), averaged over an 8-hour period

Denominator

Not applicable

Why Is This Important?

Ozone is an odorless, colorless gas that forms both in the air at ground level and in the Earth's upper atmosphere (the stratosphere). Ground-level ozone forms when precursor pollutants that come from cars, power plants, and other sources react with each other in heat and sunlight. While ozone in the stratosphere creates a layer that protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, ozone at ground level may irritate and damage the lungs, and harm human health in other ways. The federal health-based standard for ozone in outdoor air was 0.075 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an 8-hour period until December 2015, after which time it was lowered to 0.070 ppm.

How Are We Doing?

New Jersey has an extensive system of monitors to evaluate the quality of outdoor air. Ten monitor sites operate year round, and six are operated only during the ozone season (March 1st through October 31st): Ancora in Camden Co., Clarksboro in Gloucester Co., Colliers Mills in Ocean Co., Leonia in Bergen Co., Monmouth Univ. in Monmouth Co., and Ramapo in Passaic Co. Over the years, air quality in New Jersey has been improving. More stringent federal health-based standards for both ozone and particulates, were promulgated in 2016, and require states to do more to protect human health. PM2.5 monitoring requirements were changed in 2006 (24-hour) and in 2013 (annual). The AQI uses five of the six pollutants for which there are national health-based standards (ground-level ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide) and compares pollutant levels to the federal standards in order to assign an air quality rating such as "good" or "unhealthy".

What Is Being Done?

Under the federal Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has set health-based standards for ozone in the air we breathe. The USEPA and state and local governments have instituted a variety of multi-faceted programs to meet these health-based standards. The NJDEP has adopted rules to reduce emissions of VOCs from consumer products and establish requirements that apply to manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and retailers of VOCs. Beginning January 1, 2009, New Jersey implemented the California Low Emission Vehicle (CLEV) program. Non-regulatory programs also encourage communities to adopt practices such as carpooling to reduce harmful emissions. The NJDEP has also planted thousands of shade trees in urban areas to absorb and reduce ozone and NOx, lower temperatures, and reduce energy demand and emissions from energy generation. Success story: Recommendations for Reducing Smog Throughout NJ and Beyond [http://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/epht/tra_action/reducing_smog_in_nj.pdf] Success story: Air Quality and Asthma in NJ Children [http://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/epht/tra_action/helping_children_breathe_easier.pdf] Success story: Collaborating to Diminish Smog and Improve Health in NJ [http://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/epht/tra_action/clean_air_nj.pdf]