On 22 September 2021 the World Health Organisation launched updated Global Air Quality Guidelines providing clear evidence of the damage air pollution inflicts on human health. The guidelines recommend new ambitious air quality limits to protect health by reducing levels of key pollutants, some of which also contribute to climate change.
Since the WHO 2005 global update, there has been a marked increase in the scientific evidence for short and long-term impacts of air pollution upon human health. Importantly, health impacts have been identified at low pollutant levels, including below previous WHO limit values.
The new guideline levels include (annual mean concentrations):
- 5 ug/m3 for PM2.5 (previous WHO guideline 10 ug/m3)
- 15 ug/m3 for PM10 (previous WHO guideline 20 ug/m3)
- 10 ug/m3 for NO2 (previous WHO guideline 40 ug/m3)
Interim targets are also provided to support to help guide stepwise air quality improvements and hence health benefits for the population.
The updated guidelines have profound implications for air quality and transport policy in the UK. Read more at: https://theconversation.com/air-pollution-most-national-limits-are-unsafe-for-human-health-new-who-guidelines-168509