Practical Law Glossary Item 1-501-6340 (Approx. 2 pages)
Glossary
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Standards for outdoor air quality in the US created through the Environmental Protection Agency's authority under the Clean Air Act. Primary standards limit pollutants to protect public health, particularly of sensitive populations like the elderly, children and asthmatics. Secondary standards are designed to protect the public welfare, for example by preventing damage to structures, vegetation, crops, animals, and visibility.