During a review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for particulate matter, EPA's Office of Research and Development asked me to develop a new NAAQS PM2.5 standard method – that is, to come up with a better way to measure fine particles to ensure a better health outcome for the American people. I led a research group at EPA that developed the new method and wrote the material in the code of federal regulations explaining how to make and report these measurements. The PM2.5 method is still the method used by the U.S. today as well as the rest of the world.
One of the most important aspects of the new method was to ensure it was both accurate and precise in its measurements. The PM2.5 methodology included a rigorous quality assurance program to make certain that the reported measurements were legitimate. It allowed any manufacturer who met the requirements to get approval from EPA to construct and sell their instruments. EPA’s Office of Research and Development played a key role in ensuring the legitimacy of the method and controlling its cost.
