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Time to harmonize national ambient air quality standards

Author

Listed:
  • Meltem Kutlar Joss

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
    University of Basel)

  • Marloes Eeftens

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
    University of Basel)

  • Emily Gintowt

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
    University of Basel)

  • Ron Kappeler

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
    University of Basel)

  • Nino Künzli

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
    University of Basel)

Abstract

Objectives The World Health Organization has developed ambient air quality guidelines at levels considered to be safe or of acceptable risk for human health. These guidelines are meant to support governments in defining national standards. It is unclear how they are followed. Methods We compiled an inventory of ambient air quality standards for 194 countries worldwide for six air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. We conducted literature and internet searches and asked country representatives about national ambient air quality standards. Results We found information on 170 countries including 57 countries that did not set any air quality standards. Levels varied greatly by country and by pollutant. Ambient air quality standards for PM2.5, PM10 and SO2 poorly complied with WHO guideline values. The agreement was higher for CO, SO2 (10-min averaging time) and NO2. Conclusions Regulatory differences mirror the differences in air quality and the related burden of disease around the globe. Governments worldwide should adopt science based air quality standards and clean air management plans to continuously improve air quality locally, nationally, and globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Meltem Kutlar Joss & Marloes Eeftens & Emily Gintowt & Ron Kappeler & Nino Künzli, 2017. "Time to harmonize national ambient air quality standards," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 62(4), pages 453-462, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:62:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s00038-017-0952-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-0952-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marie-Eve Héroux & H. Anderson & Richard Atkinson & Bert Brunekreef & Aaron Cohen & Francesco Forastiere & Fintan Hurley & Klea Katsouyanni & Daniel Krewski & Michal Krzyzanowski & Nino Künzli & Inga , 2015. "Quantifying the health impacts of ambient air pollutants: recommendations of a WHO/Europe project," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 60(5), pages 619-627, July.
    2. Nino Künzli & Meltem Kutlar Joss & Emily Gintowt, 2015. "Erratum to: Global standards for global health in a globalized economy!," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 60(8), pages 999-1000, December.
    3. Dieter Schwela, 2012. "Review of Urban Air Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa Region," World Bank Publications - Reports 26864, The World Bank Group.
    4. United Nations, 2016. "The Sustainable Development Goals 2016," Working Papers id:11456, eSocialSciences.
    5. Nino Künzli & Meltem Joss & Emily Gintowt, 2015. "Global standards for global health in a globalized economy!," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 60(7), pages 757-759, November.
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    2. Usubiaga-Liaño, Arkaitz & Ekins, Paul, 2024. "Methodological choices for reflecting strong sustainability in composite indices," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
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    5. Festina Balidemaj & Christina Isaxon & Asmamaw Abera & Ebba Malmqvist, 2021. "Indoor Air Pollution Exposure of Women in Adama, Ethiopia, and Assessment of Disease Burden Attributable to Risk Factor," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-13, September.
    6. Dirk Keidel & Josep Maria Anto & Xavier Basagaña & Roberto Bono & Emilie Burte & Anne-Elie Carsin & Bertil Forsberg & Elaine Fuertes & Bruna Galobardes & Joachim Heinrich & Kees de Hoogh & Debbie Jarv, 2019. "The Role of Socioeconomic Status in the Association of Lung Function and Air Pollution—A Pooled Analysis of Three Adult ESCAPE Cohorts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-14, May.
    7. Valentin Simoncic & Christophe Enaux & Séverine Deguen & Wahida Kihal-Talantikite, 2020. "Adverse Birth Outcomes Related to NO 2 and PM Exposure: European Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-70, November.

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