National Air Quality Strategy
National air quality standards
Air pollution bandings and index and the impact on health of people who are sensitive to air pollution
National air quality standards
Standards for air pollution are concentrations over a given time period that are considered to be acceptable in the light of what is known about the effects of each pollutant on health and on the environment. They can also be used as a benchmark to see if air pollution is getting better or worse.
This table summarises the standards and objectives that have been adopted in the UK National Air Quality Standard.
Pollutant |
Objective
|
Measured as |
To be achieved by |
Benzene
All Authorities |
16.25 micrograms per cubic metre |
Running annual mean |
31 December 2003 |
Benzene
Authorities in England and Wales only |
5 micrograms per cubic metre |
Annual mean |
31 December 2010 |
Benezen
Authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland only |
3.25 micrograms per cubic metre |
Running annual mean |
31 December 2010 |
| 1,3-Butadiene |
2.25 micrograms per cubic metre |
Running annual mean |
31 December 2003 |
Carbon monoxide
Authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only |
10 milligram per cubic metre |
Maximum daily running 8 hour mean |
31 December 2003 |
Carbon monoxide
Authorities in Scotland only *a |
10 micrograms per cubic metre |
Running 8 hour mean |
31 December 2003 |
| Lead |
0.5 micrograms per cubic metre |
Annual mean |
31 December 2004 |
| 0.25 micrograms per cubic metre |
Annual mean |
31 December 2008 |
| Nitrogen dioxide *b |
200 micrograms per cubic metre, not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year |
1 hour mean |
31 December 2005 |
| 40 micrograms per cubic metre |
Annual mean |
31 December 2005 |
| Nitrogen Oxides ** |
(V) 30 micrograms per cubic metre |
Annual mean running 8 hour mean |
31 December 2000 |
| Ozone * |
100 micrograms per cubic metre |
Daily maximum of running 8 hour mean not to be exceeded > 10 per year |
31 December 2005 |
| Particles (PM10) (gravimetric) *c. All authorities |
50 micrograms per cubic metre. Not to be exceeded more than 35 times per year. |
24 hour mean |
31 December 2004 |
| 40 micrograms per cubic metre |
Annual mean |
31 December 2004 |
| Particles (PM10) (gravimetric). Authorities in Scotland only *d |
50 micrograms per cubic metre. Not to be exceeded more than 7 times per year |
24 hour mean |
31 December 2010 |
| 18 micrograms per cubic metre |
Annual mean |
31 December 2010 |
| Poly aromatics hydrocarbons |
0.25 nanogram per cubic metre B(a)P |
Annual mean |
31 December 2010 |
| Sulphur dioxide |
266 micrograms per cubic metres. Not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year |
15 minute mean |
31 December 2005 |
| 350 micrograms per cubic metres. Not to be exceeded more than 24 times a year |
1 hour mean |
31 December 2004 |
| 125 micrograms per cubic metre. Not to be exceeded more than 3 times per year |
24 hour mean |
31 December 2004 |
| (V) 20 micrograms per cubic metres |
Annual mean |
31 December 2000 |
| (V) 20 micrograms per cubic metres |
Winter mean (01 October - 31 March) |
31 December 2000 |
Notes:
*a. The Air Quality Objective in Scotland has been defined in Regulations as the running 8-hour mean, in practice this is equivalent to the maximum daily running 8-hour mean.
*b. The objectives for nitrogen dioxide are provisional.
*c. Measured using the European gravimetric transfer sampler or equivalent.
8d. These 2010 Air Quality Objectives fro PM 10 apply in Scotland only, as set out in the Air Quality (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2002.
e. Not included in regulations;
- micrograms per cubic metre
- milligrams per cubic metre
*Ozone is not included in the Regulations
**Assuming NOx is taken as NO2
(V) These standards are adopted for the protection of vegetation and ecosystems. All of the remainder are for the protection of human health.
Air pollution bandings and index and the impact on the health of people who are sensitive to air pollution
An air pollution banding system was launched in the UK during November 1997. The public information system reflects the latest evidence on the effects of air pollutants on health. Air pollution is described to the public in four bands and a 1-10 index to provide more detail about air pollution levels.
Banding |
Index |
Health Descriptor |
Low |
1 |
Effects are unlikely to be noticed even by individuals who know they are sensitive to air pollution. |
2 |
3 |
Moderate |
4 |
Mild effects, unlikely to require action, may be noticed amongst sensitive individuals. |
5 |
6 |
High
|
7 |
Significant effects may be noticed by sensitive individuals and action to avoid or reduce these effects may be needed (for example, reducing exposure by spending less time in polluted areas outdoors). Asthmatics will find that their 'reliever' inhaler is likely to reverse the effects on the lung. |
8 |
9 |
Very High |
10 |
The effects on sensitive individuals described for 'High' levels of pollution may worsen. |
|
