Air quality criteria refers to established guidelines or standards that determine what levels of pollutants or contaminants in the air are considered acceptable to ensure the health and well-being of individuals and the environment. These criteria are typically set by government agencies or regulatory bodies to ensure the protection of public health and the environment from harmful air pollutants.
Air quality criteria take into account various factors, including scientific research, health studies, and the potential effects of air pollutants on humans, animals, and ecosystems. These criteria establish concentration levels or exposure limits for a range of pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other hazardous substances.
The criteria often include thresholds or standards for both long-term and short-term exposure to pollutants, as well as guidelines for assessing air quality in different areas, such as residential, industrial, or rural areas. The main objective of air quality criteria is to prevent or minimize adverse health effects caused by exposure to air pollution and to promote clean and safe air.
Monitoring and assessing air quality against these criteria help authorities identify areas that exceed acceptable levels of pollutants and take appropriate actions to reduce emissions, implement control measures, and improve air quality. Adherence to air quality criteria plays a crucial role in safeguarding human health and the environment from the harmful effects of air pollution.
