Environmental Sciences

Standards & Control Measures

Lecture Module- L- 10
 Air Quality Standards
Air Quality Standards?
Air quality standards refer to levels of air pollutants prescribed by regulations
that may not be exceeded during a specified time in a defined area without
harming public health.
Types of Air Quality Standards
• Two types of standards: Primary and Secondary.
• Primary standards are designed to protect the health of 'sensitive' populations
such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.
• Secondary standards are concerned with protecting the environment.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): NAAQS are set by the
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that are applicable all over the country.
• These standards are essential for the development of effective management
of ambient air quality.
• The first ambient air quality standards were developed in 1982.
• Later, in 1994 and 1998, these standards were revised. The latest revision to
the NAAQS was done in 2009.
 Air Quality Standards
• The current standards (2009) comprise 12 pollutants as follows:
 Particulate Matter 10 (PM10)
 Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5)
 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2 )
 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
 Carbon Monoxide (CO)
 Ozone (O3)
 Ammonia (NH3)
 Lead (Pb)
 Benzene
 Benzopyrene
 Arsenic
The Nickel
WHO Guidelines indicate that by reducing PM10 pollution from 70 to 20
micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3), air pollution-related deaths can be
reduced around 15%. Indian Standards are slightly less stringent compared to
 Control Measures for Air Pollution
Air Pollution Control
Following are the measures one can adopt to control air pollution :
• Avoid Using Vehicles – Use Public Transport
• Energy Conservation – Reduce consumption of Electricity
• Recycling & Reuse of Products
• Avoid the use of Plastic Bags
• Avoid Burning Plastics
• Avoid Air Conditioners and Use Fans
• Use Filters in Chimneys
• Avoid Crackers and Fireworks
• Reduce the use of Chemicals
• Planting more Trees