WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its Lead Criteria Document, which presents the latest available pertinent information on atmospheric science, air quality, exposure, dosimetry, health effects and environmental effects of lead.

The Clean Air Act mandates periodic review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common air pollutants, also referred to as criteria pollutants, including lead. Under the review process, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development develops a criteria document - a compilation and evaluation by EPA scientific staff and other expert authors of the latest scientific knowledge relevant to assessing the health and welfare effects of the air pollutant.

Development of the Lead Criteria Document has included extensive review by the U.S. Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the public.

Further information is available at www.epa.gov.