Air Data Report 2017

Intro CO NO2 O3 Pb PM10 PM2.5 SO2 AQD
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PM2.5 - Fine Particulate Matter

fire

Wildfire smoke includes high amounts of PM. Prescribed fires help reduce fuel available for wildfires and can be managed to minimize smoke impacts. Photo courtesy of John Weir, Oklahoma State University.

Particulate matter (PM), is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is defined as particles 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. Fine particles are constituents in smoke and haze. They can be directly emitted from sources like fires, or they can form when gases emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles react in the air.

Small particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest health risks because they travel farther and embed deeper into the lungs than large particles. Some fine particles even enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 exposure can affect both the lungs and heart. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution to a variety of health problems, including:

Though the purpose of the primary air quality standards is to protect public health, particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is believed to play a role in visibility. The emission and transport of particulate matter as it relates to visibility remain on the state and national agenda. There are four federal standards for PM2.5: identical primary and secondary standards for short term (24-hr) values, and separate annual primary and secondary standards. Oklahoma is in attainment with all PM2.5 standards.

PM2.5 Monitoring Sites

The division monitored PM2.5 at twelve locations in both highly populated areas and areas of specific concern. Two monitors are at special purpose sites: the Burneyville monitor stopped collection in 2015, while the Healdton monitor started in 2016. PM2.5 is monitored with two methods: a filter-based method (24-hr sampling on a Teflon filter taken on a daily, 3-day, or 6-day schedule) and a continuous sampling method (hourly reports). Current data may be accessed here.

2017 PM2.5 Data

Primary and Secondary PM2.5 24-hour standards: 35 μg/m3 (3 yr avg)

Primary Annual Arithmetic Mean PM2.5 standard: 12 μg/m3 (3 yr avg)

Secondary Annual Arithmetic Average PM2.5 standard: 15 μg/m3 (3 yr avg)

2017 PM2.5 Values vs 24 Hour NAAQS

  • Seiling
  • OKC-Fire Station
  • OKC-North
  • Lawton
  • Healdton*
  • Burneyville*
  • Tulsa-Peoria
  • Moore
  • Ponca City
  • McAlester
  • OKC-Near Road
  • Glenpool
  • Standard
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • 14.7
  • 15.2
  • 15.2
  • 15.2
  • 15.4
  • 16.5
  • 16.9
  • 17.2
  • 17.5
  • 17.6
  • 17.8
  • 20.6
  • 35
  • 0

  3 yr avg ('15-'17) of 98th percentile
24 hr avg PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³)

*Incomplete Data Set (less than three years of data)

2017 PM2.5 Values vs Annual Mean NAAQS

  • Seiling
  • Healdton*
  • OKC-Fire Station
  • OKC-North
  • Lawton
  • Burneyville*
  • Tulsa-Peoria
  • Ponca City
  • Moore
  • McAlester
  • OKC Near Road
  • Glenpool
  • Primary Standard
  • Secondary Standard
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • 6.4
  • 7.0
  • 7.1
  • 7.1
  • 7.1
  • 7.3
  • 7.7
  • 7.8
  • 7.9
  • 8.0
  • 8.5
  • 9.7
  • 12
  • 15
  • 0

  3 yr avg ('15-'17) of Annual Weighted Mean
PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³)

*Incomplete Data Set (less than three years of data)