PAPER NO. 5. AIR QUALITY - AN OVERVIEW

The importance of air pollution is considered and its impact on air quality and human health matters. Studies mentioned have shown the effects of reducing air pollution on increased life expectancy. Two aspects of air quality policy are mentioned, covering the control of emission sources and also health-based ambient air quality targets to be achieved across the UK to avoid problems for health and the environment. The UK government's Air Quality Strategy, reviewed in 2000, is mentioned, which defined air quality standards for eight key air pollutants which affect health, and how such levels are to be achieved between 2003 and 2008. The influence of European pollution standards are considered of importance as European air pollution has an impact on UK air quality levels. For the covering abstract see ITRD E110003.