National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

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National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Table of Contents

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were notified in the year 1982.

Objectives

To indicate the levels of air quality necessary with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health, vegetation and property;
To assist in establishing priorities for abatement and control of pollutant level;
To provide uniform yardstick for assessing air quality at national level;
To indicate the need and extent of monitoring programme

Pollutants Covered under NAAQS (2009 Revision – Latest)

The revised NAAQS (2009) specify 12 pollutants for monitoring:

Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Ozone (O₃)
Lead (Pb)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Ammonia (NH₃)
Benzene (C₆H₆)
Benzo(a)Pyrene (particulate phase only)
Arsenic (As)
Nickel (Ni)

Significance of NAAQS

Provides a legal framework for monitoring and control of air pollution.
Helps policymakers set pollution reduction targets.
Facilitates identification of non-attainment cities for focused intervention.
Protects public health from chronic and acute exposure to pollutants.
Aligns India’s monitoring system with international best practices.

FAQs

Q1. What are National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)?

NAAQS are standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to define permissible limits of major air pollutants in outdoor air to protect human health, vegetation, and property.

Q2. How many pollutants are covered under the latest NAAQS revision?

The 2009 revision of NAAQS includes 12 pollutants: SO₂, NO₂, PM10, PM2.5, O₃, Pb, CO, NH₃, Benzene, Benzo(a)Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.

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