The new lead standard proposed earlier this year may need a little more time for industry to put its two cents in, according to the EPA. The agency announced Thursday it is extending the deadline for public comments on the proposed National Ambient Air Quality Standards for lead from July 18, 2008, to Aug. 4, 2008. The EPA also backed off the issue date for its final standard to Oct. 15, 2008, to allow the agency time to carefully review and consider public comments.

On May 1, 2008, the agency proposed to revise the level of the primary (health-based) standard from 1.5 μg/m³, to within the range of 0.10 to 0.30 μg/m³, measured as total suspended particulates. The EPA is taking comment on alternative levels up to 0.50 μg/m³ and down below μg/m³. The agency proposed to revise the secondary (welfare-based) standard to be identical in all respects to the primary standard. For more information on these proposed standards and instructions on submitting written comments, visit: http://www.epa.gov/air/lead/