The Bureau of Air Quality uses "discrete" or manual method monitoring for two Criteria Pollutants(opens in a new tab) - Lead and PM2.5. A discrete method is generally a "manual" method of sampling, most commonly using an air filter to trap air pollutants from ambient air for a defined, or "discrete," period of time. The filter is then removed from the collection site and analyzed in a DEP-accredited laboratory. PA DEP's monitoring strategy generally requires the installation of monitors in areas under PA DEP's jurisdiction having high population density and/or high levels of contaminants, based on EPA guidance and population information from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Monitoring data for discrete-method monitors are available below.
2023 Quarterly Data
Concentration Data By Year
Concentration Data By Year – Palmerton, PA
